Join ConstructConnect Chief Economist Michael Guckes in a monthly video series where he breaks down the key issues impacting the North American construction economy, all in under three minutes.
The Project Stress Index is a rolling measure of preconstruction projects delayed, abandoned, or placed on hold over the last 30 days. The Index is an early indicator of possible headwinds for the U.S. construction market.
In May 2026, the Expansion Index climbed to 1.48, representing a 48% year-over-year increase in ideated construction investment compared to May 2025.
Copper prices hit all-time records as demand remains strong across power grids, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence-related infrastructure.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.6% in April, pushing the 12-month inflation rate to 3.8%.
More than 30 Upstate New York data center proposals are testing grid capacity, tax incentives, and who pays for power upgrades.