AIA Billing Index Improves in October

Washington, DC, Nov. 17, 2011 -- A leading indicator of future U.S. construction activity rebounded in October, although it still indicated declining demand.

The architecture billings index rose 2.5 points last month to 49.4, according the American Institute of Architects.

Any reading below 50 indicates an overall decrease in demand for design services, a predictor of construction spending nine to 12 months in the future.

A separate measure of inquiries for future projects rose 3 points to 57.3.

"An increase in the billings index is always an encouraging sign," said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker.

"We're seeing some regions and some construction sectors move into positive territory. But there continues to be a high level of volatility in the marketplace with architecture firms reporting a wide range of conditions from improving to uncertain to poor. It's likely we will see a similar state of affairs in the coming months."

Print the Article