Jennifer Hicks at SmartBrief posted a valuable summary of a webcast hosted by Reed Construction Data on the architecture, engineering and construction industries. Here are a few nuggets that may be of particular interest to the metal construction industry. Visit Jennifer’s blog for more details from the three economists that participated in the webcast.

The construction industry in 2012 has fared better than in recent years, and the upward trend could continue in 2013, according to the three economists that participated in the webcast.

Commercial construction, which turned around in 2012, is expected to continue to grow in 2013. The hospitality and higher-education segments also are forecasted to improve in 2013.

The biggest threat to growth in 2013 is the “fiscal cliff,” which could result in a loss of $2 billion in federal construction spend. Other factors that could stall metal construction growth include troubled state economies, tight lending policies, and regulatory changes.