ABI Rises Slightly in April

May 28, 2008
The Architectural Billings Index (ABI) rose from its lowest mark ever of 39.7 in March to 45.5 in April (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).

The Architectural Billings Index (ABI) rose from its lowest mark ever of 39.7 in March to 45.5 in April (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). “After dropping rapidly the past two months, this uptick shows that the slowdown is beginning to moderate,” says Kermit Baker, chief economist for Washington, D.C.-based American Institute of Architects. “Even though the downturn in design billings has come on very quickly, most areas of the country aren’t showing signs of an oversupply of non-residential facilities. That provides hope that this weak patch may be relatively short-lived.”

The April ABI reported institutional as 50.4, missed practice rated 45.2, commercial/industrial weighed in at 39.3, and multi-family residential came in at 33.5. The inquiries for new projects score was 53.9.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.