Na Zhao

Na Zhao, Ph.D., is a principal economist at NAHB where she is responsible for analyzing the local economic impact of home building and analyzing housing and industry data. She also conducts economic research on housing policies and monitors developments in government housing and real estate policies. She holds a master’s in consumer behavior and family economics, as well as both a master’s and doctorate in agricultural and applied economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Private Residential Construction Spending Rises 1.5% in December

Private residential construction spending increased by 1.5% in December 2024, according to the latest U.S. Census Construction Spending data. It was the third consecutive monthly increase since September 2024.  On a year-over-year basis, the December report showed a 6% increase. The monthly increase in total private construction spending was primarily driven by higher spending on…

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Private Residential Construction Spending Inches Up in November

Private residential construction spending edged up by 0.1% in November 2024, according to the latest U.S. Census Construction Spending data. Year-over-year, the November report showed a 3.1% increase. The monthly increase in total private construction spending was primarily driven by higher spending on single-family construction and residential improvements. Single-family construction spending inched up by 0.3%…

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Private Residential Construction Spending Rises in October

Private residential construction spending increased by 1.5% in October, according to the latest U.S. Census Construction Spending data. Year-over-year, the October report showed a 6.4% increase. The monthly increase in total private construction spending was primarily driven by higher spending on residential improvements. Improvement spending surged by 2.7% in October and was 18.5% higher compared…

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