U.S. Housing Starts MoM
U.S. Housing Starts MoM measures the monthly change in new residential construction activity, usually using the seasonally adjusted annual rate of privately owned housing units started.
Full explanation
U.S. Housing Starts MoM tracks the percentage change from the previous month in the annualized number of privately owned homes on which construction began. A home is counted as started when excavation begins for the footings or foundation, so the release captures building activity before a property is completed or sold. The series is part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s New Residential Construction release, which also covers building permits, units under construction and housing completions. Economic calendars typically express the change in the seasonally adjusted annual rate of starts versus the prior month.
Why traders watch it
Traders watch housing starts because residential construction is sensitive to interest rates, credit conditions and household confidence. A surprise can affect expectations for U.S. growth, inflation-sensitive construction demand, Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar.
Stronger vs weaker outcomes
A stronger-than-expected reading may suggest firmer construction activity and housing demand, which can support growth expectations. A weaker-than-expected reading may point to softer builder activity or tighter financing conditions, especially if confirmed by permits and other housing data.
Typical volatility
High. Housing starts can be noisy month to month because of weather, regional shifts and large swings in multifamily projects. Revisions are common, and the release should be read alongside building permits, completions, mortgage rates and builder sentiment.
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