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December US Housing Starts, Permits Advance, Both Above Expectations

BY MT Newswires | ECONOMIC | 02/18/26 08:42 AM EST

08:42 AM EST, 02/18/2026 (MT Newswires) -- December housing starts rose by 6.2% from the previous month to a 1.404 million annual rate, well above expectations compiled by Bloomberg for a 1.304 million rate after an increase to a 1.322 million pace in November.

Building permits rose by 4.3% to a 1.448 million rate in December, above the 1.400 million rate expected and following a decline to a 1.388 million rate in November. Homes permitted but not started declined.

Home completions rose by 2.3% to a 1.525 million rate after rising to 1.490 million in the previous month.

MT Newswires does not provide investment advice. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.

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