US housing starts rose sharply in July, surprising markets with a 5.2% month-over-month increase to an annualized rate of 1.428 million, well above expectations of a 1.8% decline. At the same time, building permits, a key forward-looking indicator, fell 2.8% to 1.354 million, undershooting forecasts.
- Housing Starts: 1.428 million in July, up 5.2% M/M; consensus expected 1.297 million (-1.8%).
- Building Permits: Fell 2.8% M/M to 1.354 million; below estimate of 1.386 million (-0.5%).
- Market Reaction: Data highlights a divergence between current construction activity and future permitting trends.
Relevant Companies
- D.R. Horton (DHI) – One of the largest US homebuilders, directly impacted by shifts in housing starts.
- Home Depot (HD) – Relies on new construction and renovation activity for product demand.
- Lowe’s (LOW) – Similar to Home Depot, tied to housing and building trends.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
