Oh man, where do we even start with this? So there’s this publication, ENR (stands for Engineering News-Record, but who cares about acronyms, right?), and it’s been kicking around since the 1800s. I mean, this thing is ancient. First issue dropped way back—we’re talking 1917. Fast forward and in 1987, they decided “ENR” sounds slicker than the mouthful it was, so boom—new name.
Anyway, so let’s get messy with some numbers, ’cause who doesn’t love charts! These come from ENR mag, by the way, a crazy 26 editions a year as if anyone’s counting. Thanks, New York Public Library, for keeping microfiche alive (fun word, huh?). This ENR jam isn’t just about papers and ink—they got a website. Yes, I’m suggesting you hop over there if engineering tickles your fancy.
Here’s the URL: https://www.enr.com/. Staple in your daily awkward email chat.
Oh, by the way, The Market’s Compass does this quirky support thing. Toss them some love, or money, or both.
Ever heard a tire slip and thought, “Cardboard!”? Yeah, me too. Speaking of slips—a slip in labor costs (not literally, more like a chart climb). Common Labor Costs are up 3.07% from last year. Blame the weather? Political vibes? It’s complicated. Weather, politics, maybe the occasional cosmic hiccup.
Now Skilled Labor Index, well, that baby’s on a wild ride. A nose-dive and a whoosh back up. No clue why it dipped—economics isn’t my love language. Yet, here we are, 4.82% up. So, um, high fives?
Steel, folks. Can’t talk enough about the shiny, durable stuff. Prices boomed after a dull spell—up 28.84%. Went down for a while—a sleepy bear—then boom, awake! Buying stainless sheets in bulk nowadays? Yeehaw!
And don’t get me started on asphalt. It jumped 54.91%! Apparently, oil’s cheaper these days, I guess? But asphalt didn’t get the memo—or chose to ignore it. Maybe they want a raise. Who knows.
Crushed stone’s in the club, rising 35.47% over the year—even with a little springtime hiccup. Light Weight Concrete Block had a chill phase—now up 17.52%. Chill but productive. Like that friend who’s always calm but gets things done.
Oh, and corrugated steel pipe. I mean, doesn’t it just scream “all-time high”? Up by 37.75%. Last year seems far away. As does tubing—22.40% leap, giving anyone laying pipe something to talk about.
All this data jazz, courtesy of ENR, with charts done by the Optuma crew. Their software’s kinda neat if you’re into visuals—no kaleidoscope included, but close enough. They even toss in a free trial: www.optuma.com/TMC. Go clickety-click there and immerse yourself.
Signing off because, man, enough numbers for one story, am I right?
