U.S. single-family housing starts fell 4.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 859,000 units in September, while single-family building permits dropped 4.0% to 845,000 units, according to the Census Bureau. Mortgage rates surged, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 7.40% last week, the highest in nearly three years, as Treasury yields rose on inflation fears tied to the US-Israeli war with Iran. The National Association of Home Builders reported that builder sentiment in October fell to its lowest level since June 2012, citing higher material costs, mortgage rates, pricier diesel, and worsening labor conditions from an immigration crackdown. Slumping sales have left a glut of unsold homes, reducing incentives for developers to start new projects, although a national housing shortage keeps home prices elevated.
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Related tickers and likely impact
DXY
• NeutralRelevance: low
| Market | Currencies |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/19/2026 | 101.98 |
| Change that session | +0.20% |
SPY
• NeutralSPDR S&P 500 ETF
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/19/2026 | 766.48 |
| Change that session | +0.42% |
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