This Week’s Cost Intelligence
We developed the Stonehaven Cost Index (SCI) to give project teams a clear, dependable snapshot of how construction costs are moving week by week. It highlights the key risers, the stable materials, and the shifts that could influence your budgets.
Each week, our cost management specialists analyse live market data and translate it into concise, practical intelligence for estimating, cost planning and cost control, so you can anticipate volatility, manage risk proactively, and make confident commercial decisions on active projects.
Key Takeaways For Your Projects This Week
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Hot-Rolled Coil (HRC) – This week’s biggest riser (+0.41%). Although the movement remains within the defined volatility band, continued upward shifts could begin influencing structural steel packages, reinforcement-linked components, and fabricated steel elements if momentum builds over the coming weeks.
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Copper – This week’s biggest faller (–4.58%). A short-term benchmark correction that may ease cost pressure across electrical cabling, busbars, switchgear and copper-intensive MEP infrastructure, subject to procurement timing and supplier inventory positions.
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Steel, Titanium & Cold-Rolled Coil (CRC) – Steel and metal prices are steady this week. This supports short-term cost certainty across structural and façade packages, giving contractors and developers confidence in current procurement positions.
This Week's Market Movers
Material Movement This Week
*Rates as of 17th February 2026
Material of the Week
*Rates as of 17th February 2026
Material Of The Week (Yearly Price Fluctuation)
*Rates as of 17th February 2025 - 17th February 2026
To view the price fluctuations in detail, please download our latest dataset below.
Stonehaven Cost Index (SCI)
Index baseline (01 September 2025) = 100
Current SCI: 104.64 (decrease from 105.84 on 10th Feb)
WoW change: ▼1.13%
Change from baseline: ▲4.64%
Driver Note
Currency & Inflation Lens
AED vs Key Trading Currencies
*Rates as of 17th February 2026
SAR vs Key Trading Currencies
*Rates as of 17th February 2026
Stonehaven Analysis
During the week under review, both the AED and SAR exhibited a mixed but generally controlled movement against key global trading currencies.
There was relative softening against major European currencies, indicates observed week-on-week movement cost exposure for imports sourced from Europe, while the strengthening against several Asian currencies indicates improved purchasing leverage for materials and equipment procured from Asia.
Overall, currency movements remain moderate and do not signal structural volatility; however, continued divergence between European and Asian exchange trends may influence short term procurement strategy and supplier negotiations across construction supply chains.
Global Inputs & Freight Benchmarks
Logistics & Freight – Construction Cost Multipliers
*Rates as of 17th February 2026
Freight indicators show a strong week-on-week rebound in bulk shipping markets, with the Baltic Dry Index and its Capesize and Panamax sub-indices rising sharply, signalling tightening vessel availability and increased demand for transporting raw materials such as iron ore, coal and grains.
This upward movement suggests potential near-term cost pressure on bulk imported construction inputs, particularly steel and cement related commodities. In contrast, the slight decline in the Global Container Freight Index indicates relative stability in containerised trade, implying limited immediate impact on finished goods, equipment and manufactured construction materials shipped via container routes.
Market Forecast & Watchlist
Copper - Mild Uptrend (▲)
Forecast: Supported by infrastructure demand and freight rebound; upside risk remains moderate.
Watchlist : Iron ore and coking coal prices, Chinese steel production policy, bulk freight indices.
Titanium – Flat (→)
Forecast: Stable pricing reflecting niche industrial demand with limited speculative movement.
Watchlist : Aerospace demand cycles, specialty manufacturing output.
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel / Diesel Future – Softening (▼)
Forecast: Softening reflects slower galvanised steel demand; downside risk persists if construction momentum moderates.
Watchlist: Galvanising demand, steel output levels, inventory data.
Stonehaven Forecast Summary
Overall, the near term construction materials outlook remains broadly balanced, with core structural inputs such as steel and Hot-Rolled Coil showing only mild upward bias, while several base metals have entered a short-term correction phase.
This suggests limited immediate inflationary pressure across mainstream building packages, particularly where copper, aluminum and zinc softness offsets freight related cost risks.
However, continued strength in bulk shipping indices and any rebound in industrial demand could reintroduce upward pressure on structural steel inputs, warranting close monitoring of raw materials, energy costs and infrastructure award momentum.
Commercial Guidance
1. Structural & Steel Packages
Key Materials: Steel (LME/SHFE), Hot-Rolled Coil, Cold-Rolled Coil, Zinc
Position: Core steel benchmarks remain broadly stable with mild softening in base steel, while Hot-Rolled Coil trades within tolerance bands; zinc volatility may influence galvanising costs.
Action: Don’t increase the whole steel budget just in case prices go up. Instead, only allow extra money for specific items that might move (like galvanised steel). And since general steel prices are stable right now, use that stability to negotiate better prices with suppliers.
2. Facade & Architectural Metal Systems
Key Materials: Aluminium, Zinc, Nickel
Position: Aluminium and zinc movements may introduce selective sensitivity across facade, cladding and corrosion protection systems, while nickel impacts stainless steel based components.
Action: Keep a close eye on façade packages (like cladding and curtain wall systems), because they can move in price. Where possible, lock in supplier prices for a fixed period so you’re protected from sudden increases.
3. MEP & Infrastructure Packages
Key Inputs: Copper, PVC (Polyvinyl), Bitumen
Position: Copper correction provides partial relief for electrical systems, while PVC (Polyvinyl) and bitumen remain relatively stable, supporting predictability in utilities and external works.
Action: Metal prices have softened slightly. Use this to renegotiate electrical packages where possible. For infrastructure works, keep your normal contingency as there's no need to increase it at the moment.
Important Disclaimer
The Stonehaven Cost Index (SCI) is provided for general information only and does not constitute a commitment, guarantee, or offer to contract at any price level. The index is based on publicly available commodity data and internal market assessments as of 17th February 2026.
Actual project costs will depend on project-specific scopes, procurement routes, and commercial negotiations. Stonehaven Project Management Services LLC accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document without appropriate project-specific advice. The index reflects indicative market movements based on weighted construction inputs and does not represent a forecast, tender price, or contractual valuation.
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