Construction Spending Increases 0.9 Percent Annually, AGC Calls for Renewed Highway Funding by September
AGC Construction Data • JUNE 1, 2026
A report from AGC Construction Data reveals that construction spending increased 0.4 percent from March to April and 0.9 percent year-over-year. The Associated General Contractors of America is urging Congress and the White House to renew highway and transportation funding by September to sustain growth in the sector. Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, noted the significant impact of highway construction on total nonresidential spending.
May 26 County Council Agenda Includes President Election, Appointments, and Ordinance Items
Allegheny County Council • MAY 26, 2026
The May 26 Allegheny County Council agenda lists election of the Council President, public comment periods, board appointments, and multiple ordinance and motion items, including a proposed referendum question and bond-related legislation.
Allegheny County Council Meeting Minutes from May 26, 2026, Detail Proceedings, Appointments, and Ordinance Approvals.
Allegheny County Council • MAY 26, 2026
The Allegheny County Council meeting held on May 26, 2026, included the election of Council Member Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis as President and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Various proclamations were presented, and appointments to the Independent Police Review Board and the ALCOSAN Board were referred for review. The Council also approved an ordinance related to jail rape, discussed new business items regarding referendums and bond issues, and authorized a public hearing, concluding the meeting with a unanimous motion to adjourn.
Stock Markets Face Rising Bond Yield Risks Amidst Earnings Growth, Warns Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs • MAY 22, 2026
Goldman Sachs warns that stock markets are increasingly vulnerable to rising bond yields, despite strong earnings growth, particularly in the technology and energy sectors. With the 30-year US Treasury yield reaching its highest level since 2007, investors are advised to stay cautious as historical patterns suggest potential corrections could follow rapid yield increases. Amidst this shifting landscape, new opportunities are emerging, particularly for companies with substantial physical assets, as investors reassess their strategies in a changing economic environment.
US Data Center Power Demand Set to Surge Over 100% by 2027 Amid AI Boom, Warns Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs • MAY 20, 2026
A recent report from Goldman Sachs projects a staggering surge in US data center power demand, which is expected to more than double by 2027. As the artificial intelligence boom accelerates, power needs may soar from 31 gigawatts in 2025 to a remarkable 66 gigawatts by 2027, signaling a crucial moment for energy infrastructure and stability across the nation. With significant regional disparities in growth and potential reliability challenges looming, the report underscores the urgent need for strategic planning in energy generation and management.
Construction Starts Surge 9% in April, Led by Nonresidential Building Growth
Dodge Construction Network • MAY 20, 2026
April witnessed a remarkable 9% surge in construction starts, reaching a staggering $1.33 trillion, fueled primarily by an 18.6% jump in nonresidential buildings. Major projects, including a $5 billion data center in Texas and a $3.8 billion natural gas power plant in North Dakota, underscore the sector's robust growth. While residential starts faced slight declines, the overall trend highlights a flourishing landscape in commercial and nonbuilding construction across the nation.
FOMC Minutes Reveal Economic Caution Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Inflation Concerns
Federal Reserve • MAY 20, 2026
The latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes reveal a cautious economic outlook as geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns shape financial strategies. With inflation expectations on the rise due to energy price fluctuations, the Committee has opted to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.5% to 3.75%. Investors are closely monitoring these developments, especially as strong earnings growth in equities contrasts with ongoing challenges in the private credit sector.
Federal Reserve Report: Slow Population Growth Doesn't Spell Labor Market Crisis
Federal Reserve • MAY 20, 2026
A new Federal Reserve report reveals surprising insights into the relationship between population growth and labor market health. While slower population growth has led to concerns about employment volatility, the analysis shows that this trend does not necessarily herald a labor market crisis. In fact, periods of low population growth are linked to smaller spikes in unemployment during downturns, prompting a reevaluation of prevailing assumptions about economic stability.
Market Moves: FOMC Insights, Housing Trends, and Global PMIs Shape Economic Outlook
trepp • MAY 18, 2026
Navigate the shifting economic landscape with Trepp's latest insights as they unpack critical indicators that could reshape market expectations. The upcoming FOMC minutes promise to shed light on the Federal Reserve's stance amidst leadership changes, while fresh housing data reveals the impact of high mortgage rates. Additionally, global PMIs will offer early indicators of manufacturing and service activity, highlighting trends that could influence commercial real estate.
Construction Unemployment Rate Hits 6.7% in March, with Most States Below 10%
ABC • MAY 18, 2026
A recent report from ABC reveals that the construction unemployment rate in March 2026 rose to 6.7%, yet most states are thriving with rates below 10%. Notably, Oklahoma and South Dakota lead the way with strikingly low unemployment figures, even as the industry grapples with challenges from rising costs and a skills shortage. As construction employment grows steadily for the twelfth consecutive month, the landscape reflects both resilience and the hurdles ahead.