Construction spending fell less than expected in November as record activity on nonresidential projects helped offset another steep decline in housing. Construction spending fell 0.6 percent in November, the Commerce Department reported Monday, less than half of the 1.3 percent decline economists had expected.

Although housing took another sharp tumble, dropping 4.2 percent, this was partially offset by a surprisingly strong 0.7 percent rise in nonresidential activity.

The Associated Press