Measures the change in the annualized number of new residential buildings that began construction during the month compared to the same month a year ago. This indicator is a key gauge of economic strength, as home construction triggers extensive spending on materials, labor, and durable goods. It is highly sensitive to changes in mortgage rates and consumer confidence.
Data is collected via surveys of homebuilders and local building permit offices, counting the number of units where excavation for the footings or foundation has started.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2026 | 8.20 | 7.90 | +0.30 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | 18.60 | 12.80 | +5.80 |
| Jun 30, 2026 | 33.90 | 31.80 | +2.10 |
| May 29, 2026 | 11.40 | 15.50 | -4.10 |
| Apr 30, 2026 | -29.30 | -28.50 | -0.80 |
| Mar 31, 2026 | -4.90 | -4.70 | -0.20 |
| Feb 27, 2026 | -0.40 | -1.60 | +1.20 |
| Jan 30, 2026 | -1.30 | -4.10 | +2.80 |
| Dec 25, 2025 | -8.50 | 0.40 | -8.90 |
| Nov 28, 2025 | 3.20 | -5.20 | +8.40 |
| Oct 31, 2025 | -7.30 | -7.90 | +0.60 |
| Sep 30, 2025 | -9.80 | -4.80 | -5.00 |
| Aug 29, 2025 | -9.70 | -9.60 | -0.10 |
| Jul 31, 2025 | -15.60 | -15.80 | +0.20 |
| Jun 30, 2025 | -34.40 | -14.80 | -19.60 |
| May 30, 2025 | -26.60 | -18.30 | -8.30 |
| Apr 30, 2025 | 39.10 | 1.00 | +38.10 |
| Mar 31, 2025 | 2.40 | -1.40 | +3.80 |
| Feb 28, 2025 | -4.60 | -2.60 | -2.00 |
| Jan 31, 2025 | -2.50 | -3.90 | +1.40 |
| Dec 27, 2024 | -1.80 | -0.10 | -1.70 |
| Nov 29, 2024 | -2.90 | -2.00 | -0.90 |
| Oct 31, 2024 | -0.60 | -4.10 | +3.50 |
| Sep 30, 2024 | -5.10 | -3.00 | -2.10 |
| Aug 30, 2024 | -0.20 | -1.00 | +0.80 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | -6.70 | -2.00 | -4.70 |
| Jun 28, 2024 | -5.30 | -6.10 | +0.80 |
| May 31, 2024 | 13.90 | -0.20 | +14.10 |
| Apr 30, 2024 | -12.80 | -7.60 | -5.20 |
| Mar 29, 2024 | -8.20 | -5.50 | -2.70 |
| Feb 29, 2024 | -7.50 | -7.70 | +0.20 |
| Jan 31, 2024 | -4.00 | -6.20 | +2.20 |
| Dec 27, 2023 | -8.50 | -4.30 | -4.20 |
| Nov 30, 2023 | -6.30 | -6.80 | +0.50 |
| Oct 31, 2023 | -6.80 | -4.70 | -2.10 |
| Sep 29, 2023 | -9.40 | -8.90 | -0.50 |
| Aug 31, 2023 | -6.70 | -0.80 | -5.90 |
| Jul 31, 2023 | -4.80 | -0.20 | -4.60 |
| Jun 30, 2023 | 3.50 | -2.20 | +5.70 |
| May 31, 2023 | -11.90 | -0.90 | -11.00 |
| Apr 28, 2023 | -3.20 | -4.30 | +1.10 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | -0.30 | -0.50 | +0.20 |
| Feb 28, 2023 | 6.60 | 1.00 | +5.60 |
| Jan 31, 2023 | -1.70 | 0.50 | -2.20 |
| Dec 27, 2022 | -1.40 | 1.50 | -2.90 |
| Nov 30, 2022 | -1.80 | -1.30 | -0.50 |
| Oct 31, 2022 | 1.00 | 2.30 | -1.30 |
| Sep 30, 2022 | 4.60 | -4.10 | +8.70 |
| Aug 31, 2022 | -5.40 | -4.10 | -1.30 |
| Jul 29, 2022 | -2.20 | -1.20 | -1.00 |
