The U.S. Commerce Department released the U.S. housing data today. Housing starts in the U.S. jumped 15.7% to 1.093 million units in July from 945,000 units in June. That was the strongest rate since November. June's figure was revised up from 893,000 units. Analysts had expected a rise to 970,000 units.

The number of building permits rose by 8.1% to 1.052 million units in July from 973,000 in June. June's figure was revised up from 963,000 units. Analysts had expected 1.0 million units.