U.S. construction spending declined 0.3% month-over-month in January 2026, marking a reversal from December 2025’s 0.8% gain. The latest data, updated on 23 March 2026, indicate a cooling in activity at the start of the year after a relatively solid finish to 2025.
On a month-over-month basis, the January figure shows that total construction outlays were lower compared with December, while the prior reading reflected an increase from November to December. The shift from positive 0.8% to negative 0.3% suggests a loss of momentum in the sector, which could weigh on broader economic performance if the trend persists.
The month-over-month comparison highlights short-term dynamics in construction activity, capturing how spending in January stacked up directly against the previous month. With the latest move into negative territory, markets and policymakers may look to upcoming releases to assess whether this dip is temporary or the start of a more sustained slowdown in U.S. construction.
