Expert Insights
Quick Insights on Industry Trends
Zinc Price Updates
Zinc prices reached their highest levels ever recorded in the days following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While neither country produces a substantial amount of zinc (which is largely used in the construction industry to galvanize metals), Russia in particular is a significant supplier of oil and gas.
Update on Lumber
Softwood lumber prices are rising again in North America starting this March, with a peak within the next two months. Supply is still disrupted, causing prices to reach levels last seen in spring 2021. Production in North America increased in 2021 and an incremental increase is expected later this year. However, short-term supply disruptions, coupled with higher-than-average demand, have been driving prices up.
Update on the Russia-Ukraine War
An old joke among economists says that the four most dangerous words in the English language are, “This time is different.” But the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is the first of its kind, where troop movements are broadcast on social media and sanctions are deployed on such a scale.
Aluminum Update
Aluminum moved from surplus to deficit in 2021 and is currently fundamentally tight in 2022. Market prices reflect this shift, with the London Metal Exchange (LME) price breaching $3,175/metric ton last October, its highest level since 2008. Regional premiums have also shown strength. We believe that the current market view of aluminum supply and demand in 2022 is still tense, but there is a possibility that demand growth could become flat later.
Journey to Net Zero
From countries to companies to individuals, tackling climate change is at the top of the agenda, even if it felt a bit less important during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, the main strategy for achieving success in the fight against climate change is to nose-dive straight into the journey to net zero by 2050.
Cement & Concrete Updates
We believe that rising input costs will drive prices up both for cement and concrete in early 2022. The rising energy prices and seasonal factors could explain the price increase in the first half of 2022, before price escalation slows as energy costs recede.
Chicago Construction Market Recap
Final figures are still coming in for many indicators, but things seem to be looking up in the Windy City. The local economy made gains throughout the year, with unemployment decreasing steadily each month.
What is ESG Performance and Why is it Important?
Impacted in 2021 by climate change, loss of biodiversity, racial inequality, poor working conditions, and finally by COVID-19, industries and companies of all shapes and sizes are taking a closer look at the way they conduct the future of their business.
Breaking Down COP26
While COP26 may be a familiar term to some readers, it might not be recognizable to all. Luckily, here at Cumming our Sustainability & Energy Solutions team has many years of experience in all matters related to COP26.
Space Inventory in the Life Science Sector
The life science sector continues an unprecedented boom, limiting the available space solutions for companies in the market and resulting in intense real estate competition. This boom can be measured not only by the increasing number of new companies, but also by the increasing size and changing type of the spaces they require.
How CalSHAPE Affects Your K-12 School
The State of California is providing resources to improve the health of all public K-12 students and ensure they have a healthy environment in which to learn, play, and grow.
Green Shoots of Recovery in the Themed Entertainment Sector
The financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were acutely felt within the themed entertainment sector. While the industry has experienced economic recessions plenty of times before, guests haven’t been restricted from visiting theme parks and attractions to this extent.