The American Institute of Architects’ Architectural Billings Index (ABI) is a leading indicator of growth in the construction industry.

Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings relative to the previous month (and therefore an increase in expected construction activity) while a score below 50 indicates a decline. The most recent ABI score is 50.3 in October, suggesting a slight increase in billings and only modest growth.

In October, the Northeast region reported an ABI of 45.6, continuing to decline since June. Both the West and Midwest regions are registering declines, according to October 2024 data. The South is the only region with a rising index of 52.1, larger than 50. Among the three sectors, institutional is also the only sector that has expanded.