US Housing Starts Miss Big in August, Permits Also Slide

US housing starts fell 2.6% in August to 1.257M, sharply missing the expected 4.9% rise, and permits dropped 2.7% to 1.394M versus a 3.0% consensus increase. The data signals renewed weakness in the housing sector, likely weighing on growth expectations. The miss is a clear downside surprise, though single-month volatility tempers the signal.