The value of contracts for new construction rose.

The F. W. Dodge division of McGraw-Hill Information Systems reported a 7% rise in October, compared to September, buoyed by a rebound in public works construction. New construction rose to an annual rate of $238.9 billion in October from $222.5 billion in September, the company said. In August, the rate was at $237.1 billion. The value of non-building construction, such as public works and utilities, rose by 37% in October after taking a similarly sharp decline in September.