Momentum holds - August update
I introduced BPMI to see whether it could help us detect changes in the consulting market a little earlier.
Three monthly updates later, the 3-month index is still hovering around 115.
Not the most dramatic way to launch something called the Project Momentum Index.
Then again, stability is also a signal.
I have now updated the Brainville Project Momentum Index (BPMI) with data for August.
August 2026
📈 BPMI, latest month: 114 (+3 vs July)
📊 BPMI, 3-month trend: 115 (+0.4 vs July)
Both readings remain clearly above 100, which represents the historical average.
The three components tell us a little more:
• Project Activity: 132 (+8)
The share of assignments for roles that typically enter early in new projects increased again after July and remains well above its historical average. If the model works as intended, this may be an early signal of more project activity further ahead.
• Supply Pressure: 98 (−5)
A larger share of assignments received few or no applications, bringing the index slightly below its historical average. This may partly be seasonal: consultants tend to be less active in searching and applying for assignments during the summer months.
• Project Intensity: 107 (+4)
The assignments published in August appear somewhat larger or more competence-intensive than in July. The index also remains moderately above its historical average.
My cautious reading is that early project activity picked up again in August, while the broader momentum remained stable at a relatively high level.
I find that encouraging. Whether it develops into a more sustained improvement remains to be seen – and that is exactly what I hope BPMI can help us follow over time.
