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Expert Insights Blog2024-03-11T13:12:06-07:00

Expert Insights

Quick Insights on Industry Trends

Cumming Group knows how important it is to stay on top of important industry trends and developments. Through the Expert Insights Blog we can help you do just that. In short, accessible, and regularly updated posts, our own expert team members share their insights and knowledge on a variety of topics — all with the goal of keeping you on the cutting edge and providing actionable insights that will help you take your projects to the next level.

Changing Tides in the Life Sciences Sector

April 18th, 2023|

The life sciences sector in Greater New England remains strong due to an innovative higher education environment. However, short-term headwinds are expected to persist until 2023, with a reversal in Q2-3 2024. To ensure success in these uncertain times, developers and investors must have the right expertise, insight, and knowledge.

Construction Industry Regional Spotlight: California’s Major Metros

February 27th, 2023|

This article explores the growth and development of California's diverse economy, as well as the logistical challenges of planning overlays, zoning laws, inflation, and labor. Learn how these issues are being addressed to promote more affordable housing, livable cities, and successful infrastructure projects in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco.

Steel Prices

January 6th, 2023|

Steel prices continue to register their lowest values since May 2021. Spot prices going into 2023 are almost 20% less than those going into 2022. This slide is primarily due to what people in finance call “mean reversion”: as time goes on, prices return to their average. Steel prices had been unsustainably high for almost two years, and this is a return to form rather than a sign of weakness. We expect them to continue to decline and recommend waiting until the spring before making major purchases.

Update on Lumber

March 18th, 2022|

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. 

Aluminum Update

March 9th, 2022|

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.

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