In this June 13, 2019, photo work continues on a new multifamily townhouse home in Mechanicsville, Va. On Monday, July 1, the Commerce Department reports on U.S. construction spending in May. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Spending on U.S. construction projects fell in May, the first drop in six months, as home building fell for a fifth straight month.
The Commerce Department reported Monday that spending fell 0.8% in May, the first decline since a 1.3% drop in November, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.29 trillion. Spending In April was revised up from a flat reading to a small gain of 0.4%.
The weakness in May was widespread with spending on single-family homes and apartments down 0.6% while nonresidential construction fell 0.9%. Spending on government projects also dropped 0.9%, led by a decline in construction spending by the federal government.
Spending on residential construction has been weak for a number of months but builders are hopeful that declining mortgage rates will spur a rebound.
The 0.6% decline in residential construction reflected a 0.8% fall in spending on new single-family homes partially offset by a 1.9% rise in the smaller apartment sector.
The 0.9% drop in nonresidential construction followed a 1.4% decline in April. The May weakness reflected declines in a number of areas including office buildings and the category that covers shopping centers.
The 0.9% drop in government construction projects was the first decline in five months. Spending by state and local governments fell 0.6% while construction spending by the federal government was down a larger 5.2%.
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