Ken Simonson
Ken Simonson
break check houses sell signed throw wait
They used to throw up houses and try to sell them. Now, they wait for a signed check before they break ground.
center climbed commercial grew growth hospital nearly office segments several shopping swelling warehouse
On a two-month basis, there were several segments that showed exceptional growth. Shopping center construction leaped 61%, after swelling nearly 40% in 2005 and 25% in 2004. Hospital construction grew 22%, while manufacturing and commercial warehouse construction climbed 20%. The previously lackluster office segment was up 18%.
average below cents diesel fallen fuel gas gulf higher keeping mexico national natural oil per prices production record retail rita supplies year
Oil and natural gas prices have fallen sharply from their post-hurricane highs. However, production from the Gulf of Mexico is still down by more than 15 percent, keeping supplies tight. As of mid-March, the national average retail price of diesel fuel was around $2.55 per gallon, 60 cents below the record set after Rita but 35 cents (16 percent) higher than a year ago.
areas cement certain demand expansion further growing ran short supplies
In 2005, we had 32 areas (of the country) that ran short of cement at certain times of the year. With the demand for cement growing in 2006 and very little expansion of production, I think further supplies are limited.
cement month showing suspicion takes
My suspicion is that after the first month it takes effect, you'll see more cement showing up in Arizona.
costs fuel growth highway materials
Fast-rising materials and fuel costs have exaggerated the growth in some of these categories, especially highway construction.
engine firing
The construction engine was firing on all cylinders.
bag buy consumers effect home notice
Consumers who are doing repairs or additions to their home will notice the effect when they buy a bag of cement.
gains marks turn
This marks a real turn around for non-residential construction. I think we will see more real gains in 2005.
columbia district last short states worse
Last year, 32 states and the District of Columbia were short of cement. Many will have worse shortages this year,
doubt
I doubt you'll feel it (rising costs) much,
capital computers finance highest reported services
The finance and services sectors reported the highest expectations for capital spending, especially on computers and communications equipment.
balanced cylinders growth hitting industry report shows spending
Today's report on construction spending shows the industry is hitting on all cylinders with strong, balanced growth.
affected home remains
You have a lot of home construction that will be affected by that. How much remains to be seen.