The Dodge Momentum Index, a McGraw-Hill component of planning for new construction, indicates that commercial construction is showing flickering signs of new life. It does not, however, seem to have gained substantial footing after a late 2007 peak index of near 190 and a bottom of 75 as 2011 ended. The year 2000 is the index base of 100.
Since commercial construction includes development of shopping malls, stores, warehouses and office buildings, it represents the overall outlook of domestic U.S. economic expectations and that sector’s willingness to intensify investment in all aspects of commercial expansion.