The seasonally adjusted Australian Performance of Construction Index increased by 1.5 points to 54.3 points in January (readings above 50 points indicate expansion). This signalled industry-wide growth for a 12th consecutive month and at a slightly higher pace than in December 2017.

Data for January revealed an improvement in demand, with the new orders sub-index returning to growth after drifting into mildly negative territory in December.

The activity sub-index remained in expansion in January, at a broadly unchanged rate from December. This was associated with further growth in deliveries from suppliers.