Number of new residential construction projects that have begun in a given period, a key indicator of economic activity and construction sector health.
Housing starts for United States measures the number of new residential construction projects that began during the reporting period. It is a leading indicator for construction activity and broader economic momentum.
Why FX traders watch it
Housing construction has significant multiplier effects—builders hire workers, purchase materials, and drive demand for furniture and appliances. Housing starts are sensitive to mortgage rates and therefore to Federal Reserve policy.
How to interpret the data
A strong housing starts reading above consensus signals confidence in the economy and is broadly usd-positive. A collapse in starts often precedes recessions, as it indicates tight credit conditions and weak consumer confidence.
Historical Housing Starts (USD)
Source: FRED (BEA/BLS/Fed)
· Monthly
· Thousands (SAAR)