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Middle East Conflict Drives Fuel Prices Up and Alters U.S. Construction Landscape, Report Reveals

AGC • MARCH 13, 2026

The latest AGC report unveils how the ongoing Middle East conflict is rippling through the U.S. construction landscape, with diesel prices soaring and crucial aluminum imports facing disruptions. As construction costs rise, firms are struggling to navigate moderate hiring demands amidst growing community resistance to new data center projects and a slowdown in solar capacity installations.

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USTR Launches New Section 301 Probes, Targeting Trade Practices of 16 Economies Including China and EU

Clark Hill • MARCH 13, 2026

The U.S. Trade Representative has launched new Section 301 investigations into the trade practices of 16 economies, including China and the EU, focusing on whether government policies are driving overproduction and causing trade imbalances. As the USTR examines potential tariffs, stakeholders are invited to voice their concerns during a structured comment period, signaling a pivotal moment in U.S.

Construction Industry Optimism Grows as CIRT Sentiment Index Hits 66.1, but Workforce Shortages Loom

FMI Corp • MARCH 11, 2026

The latest report from FMI Corp reveals a surge in optimism within the construction industry, with the CIRT Sentiment Index climbing to 66.1 in Q1 2026, driven by stable demand and heightened expectations for design activities. Despite this positive outlook, a pressing workforce shortage looms, as 37% of industry respondents highlight skilled labor availability as a key challenge. Discover the full insights and strategic recommendations by downloading the complete CIRT Sentiment Index report.

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February Sees Special Servicing Rate Dip to 10.73%, Driven by Office and Mixed-Use Trends Amid Retail Challenges

trepp • MARCH 10, 2026

In February, the CMBS Special Servicing Rate dipped to 10.73%, driven by notable reductions in the office and mixed-use sectors, despite a challenging retail landscape. Trepp's latest report reveals a significant decline in mixed-use loans, while the retail segment faced pressure from a substantial loan transferring into special servicing. For deeper insights into these trends and their implications, check out Trepp's detailed analysis.

ITAD Sector Transforms: AI Infrastructure Fuels Growth Amid Rising Demand and Revenue Surge

FMI Corp • MARCH 10, 2026

In a groundbreaking shift, the IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) sector is transforming into a high-growth industry driven by the skyrocketing demand for AI infrastructure. FMI Corp’s latest report reveals soaring revenues at major firms like Iron Mountain and Sims Limited, fueled by a booming market for repurposed components. As businesses pivot toward full-lifecycle services, the report underscores the need for ITAD leaders to adapt and capitalize on evolving valuation dynamics in this dynamic landscape.

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Commercial Real Estate CLO Issuance Soars in 2026, Eyeing 2021 Peaks

trepp • MARCH 9, 2026

A recent Trepp report highlights a remarkable rebound in commercial real estate collateralized loan obligation (CRE CLO) issuance, reaching $11.2 billion by early March 2026—a 34% increase from the previous year. This surge positions the market to potentially match or exceed the record levels of 2021, despite a more challenging interest rate environment. With multifamily properties dominating the sector and underwriting expectations adapting for stability, the CRE CLO landscape is shaping up to be a key player in transitional and value-add financing strategies this year.

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Dodge Momentum Index Plummets 7.3% in February Amid Cost and Labor Concerns

Dodge Construction Network • MARCH 6, 2026

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) experienced a significant 7.3% decline in February, highlighting ongoing concerns in both cost and labor that are impacting builder confidence. Despite this dip, the long-term outlook remains promising, with a robust planning pipeline indicating a potential acceleration in construction spending by 2027. Notable commercial projects, including two massive data centers in Texas and a major convention center expansion in Florida, illustrate pockets of growth amid the slowdown.

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Construction Employment Dips by 11,000 as Firms Cautiously Navigate Economic Uncertainties

AGC Construction Data • MARCH 6, 2026

A recent report from the Associated General Contractors of America reveals a dip in construction employment, with 11,000 jobs lost in February across both residential and nonresidential sectors. This cautious trend, following a surge in hiring the previous month, highlights contractors' growing concerns about fluctuating material costs and demand for projects. Despite this setback, the construction industry continues to outpace the broader economy in job growth over the past year, showcasing its resilience amid uncertainty.

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