...Construction Spending Grows Despite Weather Delays: Construction activity was strong during second-quarter 2015, advancing 11.6% despite significant rainfall in certain parts of the U.S., which negatively affected aggregates, cement and paint volume during the quarter. Overall U.S. construction spending increased 9.3% to $583.2 billion during the first seven months of 2015, driven by solid growth in private construction spending and improving activity from public construction. Private Construction Remains Strong: Private construction spending grew 13.6% during second-quarter 2015, with nonresidential construction advancing 15.6% and residential construction increasing 11.7% during the period. For the YTD period through July, spending was 10.8% higher, with the residential sector growing 10.1% and nonresidential gaining 11.5%. Fitch expects private residential construction will improve 10.5%, while nonresidential construction grows 7.5% during 2015. Improved Public Construction Spending:...
