This data point is not an important immediate focus for the forex market, but it all goes into the mix.

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  • Up two points in March
  • Still in contraction (third consecutive month)
  • All 3 Aussie AIG PMIs in contraction

From AIG:

  • Construction activity sub-index was 48.3 points, which was 3 points above the level of the previous month in March (seasonally adjusted).
  • Across the sub-sectors: house building fell by 1.4 points to 50.8 points indicating a stabilization in activity; apartment building declined 1.0 point to 45.6 points; commercial construction declined by 3.4 points to 56.5 points and engineering construction was up 5.8 points to 45.5.
  • The new orders sub-index remained in negative territory, registering 48.3 points in March. However, it was up by 8.8 points from February to signal the slowest rate of contraction in 2014 so far.
  • Employment was down 3.3 points to 42.7 points in response to continued efforts by businesses to contain costs.