US housing starts fell to 1,221K in September 2026 while building permits came in at 1,400K
The short answer
JUST IN: Starts 1,221K vs 1,300K est, permits 1,400K vs 1,390K.
Key figures (as reported)
- Housing starts: 1,221K, weaker than 1,300K est (prior 1,288K)
- Building permits: 1,400K, stronger than 1,390K est (prior 1,403K)
- Builders started fewer homes than forecast, but permits edged above, a mixed read for the Fed.
- Trader read: fewer starts with steady permits often shift views on how fast growth is cooling → rate markets tend to reprice hike expectations → ZN and NQ futures tend to see wider ranges.
Sources
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