The AVP Pulse Index this month dropped 1.7% month-over-month, while decreasing 0.6% year-over-year; yet up 10.3% over the past 36 months. The proprietary AVP Pulse Index – a joint effort between mergers and acquisition advisors Allen-Villere Partners and Rock Products – illustrates the health of the industry in one single trend line, using relevant data that is updated monthly or quarterly.
“Leading indicators weakened broadly, marking a sharp departure from last quarter’s strength,” stated Pierre Villere of Allen-Villere partners. “The Dodge Data Momentum Index edged down -0.4% month-over-month and now sits -4.3% below year-ago levels, a pronounced reversal from the double-digit annual gains reported previously and a signal that forward project pipelines are thinning. Architecture Billings declined -1.5% monthly while holding marginally positive year-over-year (+0.9%), suggesting design activity has flattened after an extended expansion. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index was the lone exception, rising +1.0% monthly and +3.0% year-over-year, though improving builder sentiment has not yet translated into groundbreaking.,”