Dodge Momentum Index Accelerates 6% in April

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The Dodge Momentum Index, issued by the Dodge Construction Network, Boston, increased 6.2% in April to 264.2 (2000=100). Over the month, commercial planning grew 8.1% and institutional planning momentum improved 1.5%.

The index is a monthly measure based on the three-month moving value of nonresidential building projects going into planning, shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year to 18 months.

“After three months of slowing momentum, nonresidential planning began to find its footing in April,” said Sarah Martin, Director of Economic Research at Dodge Construction Network. She noted data centers remain the largest driver behind growth in the Dodge Momentum Index, but said several other sectors appeared to stabilize over the month.

“Macroeconomic risks remain weighted to the downside, with labor shortages, higher material costs and supply chain disruptions weighing on owner confidence in the near-term,” Martin said.

Planning activity for traditional office buildings, data centers, warehouses, hotels and parking garages grew in April, while retail store planning slowed pace. On the institutional side, education and healthcare planning re-accelerated, while recreational, public and religious planning slowed down over the month. Year-over-year, the DMI was up 14.1% when compared to April 2025. The commercial segment was up 37.2% (+5.8% when data centers are removed) and the institutional segment was up 28.8% over the same period.