Construction spending falls 1.8 percent in June, biggest decline in more than 3 years

U.S. construction spending fell in June by the largest amount in more than three years as housing, non-residential construction and government spending all weakened.

The Commerce Department says construction spending dropped 1.8 percent in June on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising by a revised 0.8 percent in May. It was the biggest setback since a 2.8 percent fall in January 2011.

The weakness was widespread with spending on housing down for a second straight month, falling 0.3 percent, while non-residential building activity fell 1.6 percent, the biggest decrease since January. Spending on government projects dropped 4 percent, the biggest decline in more than a decade.

The June performance represented a setback to hopes stronger construction activity will help support overall economic growth.