U.S. construction spending declined by 0.5% in July 2026 compared to the previous month, marking a pullback after a flat reading in June. The latest month‑over‑month data, updated on 1 September 2026, show that construction activity has weakened slightly after stabilizing at 0.0% growth in June.
The comparison is based on changes from one month to the next: July’s figure reflects the shift from June, while June’s previously reported 0.0% reading captured the change from May to June. The move into negative territory suggests a modest cooling in construction activity at mid‑year, as the sector transitions from a period of stagnation to a mild contraction. Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming releases closely to gauge whether this signals a temporary pause or the start of a more persistent slowdown in U.S. construction spending.