(AXIOS) Construction spending in the U.S. has risen steadily since the financial crisis, and as of June sat at a near-record annualized rate of $1.55 trillion. Delving into the data, the dollars spent in most categories of construction grew along with the overall economic expansion.
The intrigue: One segment bucks the trend most noticeably. Construction of religious facilities has fallen sharply over the past two decades.
Why it matters: Construction spending provides insights into the economic growth of the U.S., and about what Americans are investing in.