US DATA: Sept AIA Architecture Billing Index 46.9 vs 51.4 in Aug, a
reading below 50 that indicates a sharp decline in demand for
architecture services in the month. The new project inquires index fell
to 54.3 in Sept from 56.9 in the Aug. The AIA said that the billing data
lags construction spending by about nine months. The AIA chief economist
noted that currently the economy does not appear to be strong enough to
maintain continued growth in demand for these services. See MNI main
wire.