Ken Simonson
Ken Simonson
adding expect jobs modest
I still expect construction to be adding jobs but at a more modest pace.
equipment expensive harder kinds rubber steel
Rubber for construction equipment tires, (Sheetrock) and some kinds of steel may also be harder to find or more expensive because of the storms.
average below cents diesel fallen fuel gas gulf higher keeping mexico national natural oil per prices production record retail rita supplies year
Oil and natural gas prices have fallen sharply from their post-hurricane highs. However, production from the Gulf of Mexico is still down by more than 15 percent, keeping supplies tight. As of mid-March, the national average retail price of diesel fuel was around $2.55 per gallon, 60 cents below the record set after Rita but 35 cents (16 percent) higher than a year ago.
doubt
I doubt you'll feel it (rising costs) much,
categories highways leading percent private shopping
The leading categories have been multi-retail (general merchandise, shopping centers, and shopping malls), up 25 percent year-to-date; manufacturing construction, 23 percent; private multifamily, 21 percent; hospitals, 13 percent; private single-family, 12 percent; and highways and streets, 11 percent.
engine firing
The construction engine was firing on all cylinders.
capital computers finance highest reported services
The finance and services sectors reported the highest expectations for capital spending, especially on computers and communications equipment.
assume higher pass
You can't assume contractors will automatically pass on higher costs.