"US Housing Starts Surge to Near Two-Year Highs, Accelerating Market Recovery"

Single-family housing starts in the US surged 11.6% in February, reaching the highest level in nearly two years, driven by mild temperatures and a shortage of existing homes. Builders are offering incentives and reducing home sizes to manage higher material costs. With mortgage rates expected to trend lower, homebuilding could contribute to economic growth. Single-family building permits also rose to a 1-1/2-year high, and completion rates increased, potentially helping to bridge the housing inventory gap.