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Due to its complexity, much of the subject matter concerning the economy requires detailed editorial commentary, often supported by relevant tables and graphs.

At the same time, though, there are many topics (e.g., relating to demographics, housing starts, etc.) that cry out for compelling ‘shorthand’ visualizations.

Whichever path is followed, the point of the journey, almost always, is to reach a bottom line or two.

To provide additional value, °µÍø½ûÇøConnect is now pleased to offer an ongoing series of 1,000-word charts.

These will help readers sort out the ‘big picture’ more clearly.

This 1,000-word chart looks at the latest Canadian construction material costs.

Note: The U.S. figures on percentage changes in building materials and related cost climbs are derived from the Producer Price Index (PPI) data set calculated and published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – please see Gap Between Bid Price Increases and Material Cost Increases Is Narrowing.

The best means to achieve Canadian equivalency is to draw on the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI) data set from Statistics Canada.

The most dramatic price increases in Table 1, both year over year and during the last three months for which numbers are available, have been pointed out with red arrows.

Alex Carrick is Chief Economist for °µÍø½ûÇøConnect. He has delivered presentations throughout North America on the U.S., Canadian and world construction outlooks. Mr. Carrick has been with the company since 1985. Links to his numerous articles are featured on Twitter , which has 50,000 followers.