Architecture Billings Index Jumps Higher in July

Washington, DC, Aug. 19, 2009--The Architecture Billings Index, a leading indicator of U.S. nonresidential construction spending, rebounded in July but remains at a level that indicates depressed demand.

The index rebounded more than 5 points last month to a reading of 43.1, reversing a similar decline in June, according to the American Institute of Architects.

The index has remained below 50, indicating contraction in demand for design services, since January 2008. Its lowest recent reading was 33.3 in January.

Credit remains tight and government stimulus funds have had little visible impact on project activity, AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker said.

"There has been too much contraction in recent months to get overly optimistic about business conditions," Baker said.

All four U.S. construction sectors tracked by the group, and all four geographic regions, remained below 50 in July.

A measure of inquiries for projects dipped to 50.3, from 53.8, but remained above 50 for the fifth straight month.

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