US housing starts plunged 15.4% in May to 1,177,000 units, the lowest since COVID. High mortgage rates and affordability woes are crushing new construction.

US housing starts dropped 15.4% in May 2026 to 1.177 million units while building permits slipped 0.7%. Here's what it means for crypto investors.

US housing starts plunged 15.4% in May to 1,177,000 units, the lowest since COVID. High mortgage rates and affordability woes are crushing new construction.