After years of only upbeat performances, stock market indices have turned more volatile. Labor shortages have appeared in many locations and wages are soaring.
CINCINNATI (PRWEB) April 05, 2018
ConstructConnect, a leading provider of construction information and technology solutions in North America, announced its annual spring economic webcast: U.S. Construction Prospects: Much to Like (Much to Worry About). The complimentary webcast -- featuring industry-leading chief economists Kermit Baker of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Ken Simonson of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Alex Carrick of ConstructConnect -- will take place at 2 p.m. EDT on May 10.
With construction activity flourishing, the webcast will disclose what economists in the construction industry expect for the months ahead. ConstructConnect’s May 10th Webcast, featuring three of the sector’s top economists, is specifically designed to help registrants navigate through the uncertainty. All three economists will take questions in the last half hour of the session.
“Surging jobs growth, both economy-wide and in the building sector, plus the extraordinary corporate profit levels anticipated from the new tax regime, provide optimism concerning construction’s prospects moving forward,” explained Alex Carrick, U.S. chief economist for ConstructConnect. “But there are also numerous reasons for caution. After years of only upbeat performances, stock market indices have turned more volatile. Labor shortages have appeared in many locations and wages are soaring. The imposition of tariffs on imported lumber, steel and aluminum, as well as price hikes for other key commodities, are heightening concerns about costs and inflation. In response, the Federal Reserve has already charted a higher interest rate course.”
The webcast will cover numerous topics relevant to the construction industry including:
- New tax regime leading to higher profits
- More investment from repatriated funds
- Cost effects of tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber
- Accelerated interest rate increases
- Surging jobs growth and labor shortages
- Wage hikes adding to inflation
- A surprising absence of productivity advances
- More stock market volatility in 2018
- Coming changes to the labor pool
To take part in the webcast, register here.
AIA members who attend the live broadcast will receive AIA CEU credit, and all registered participants can download the presentation slides and view the webcast archive.
About ConstructConnect
ConstructConnect is a leading provider of construction information and technology solutions in North America and is committed to transforming the way the construction industry does business by providing its customers the tools, information and connections needed to drive their success. ConstructConnect brings the construction industry together with the most complete, accurate and actionable construction data and tools to drive success in national, regional and local markets. For more information, visit constructconnect.com
About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nations and world.
About The Associated General Contractors of America
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is a national trade association, dedicated to furthering the ever-changing agenda of commercial construction contractors, improving job site safety, expanding the use of cutting-edge technologies and techniques, and strengthening the dialogue between contractors and owners. Founded in 1918, the AGC today represents more than 33,500 member firms, including 7,500 of America’s leading general contractors and over 13,000 specialty-contracting firms. Visit the AGC website at agc.org.
