16 December 2010
US DATA: Nov housing starts +3.9% to 555k, about as expected, reflecting +6.9% 1-fam to 465k and -18.2% in 5+ units.
Suggests less spec and moreownership in a plus for the hsg mkt. Gains were seen across regions with exception of NE at -2.5% (NE starts dropped in Sept, surged in Oct, then returned to normal in Nov, with all the move in apts). Permits -4.0% to 530k, with the drop centered in apts in the MW.