Construction spending unexpectedly fell 0.6 percent in August, the second consecutive decline. However, the previous month’s data were upwardly revised. The pullback was concentrated in nonresidential outlays.

Single Family Showing Consistent Gains

Total construction spending fell 0.6 percent in August to an $837.1 billion annual pace, but increased 6.5 percent on a yearago basis. Residential outlays continue to be a bright spot with single family now up 20.8 year over year. Indeed, single family outlays have increased for the fifth consecutive month and mirror modest housing market improvement. However, home improvement dipped 1.7 percent, the second straight decline. 

Third Quarter Structures Off to a Weak Start

Nonresidential outlays are off to a weak start and could detract from real GDP in Q3, all things equal. Declines were nearly broad-based with only transportation and amusement parks showing gains. Despite construction projects including solar power facilities in Arizona and California and a semiconductor research development facility in Arizona, outlays in the manufacturing and power sectors contracted on the month.