Overview:  Housing starts increased 7.2% in April as building permits rose 11.2% and existing home sales increased 3.7%.  Initial jobless claims fell 13,000 to a level of 403,000 for the week ended 4/16.

• Housing starts increased more than expected in March, rising 7.2% to an annual pace of 549,000. 
• Building permits also exceeded expectations with an 11.2% increase to an annual pace of 594,000 units in March.
• Existing home sales rose 3.7% in March to an annual pace of 5.1 million units.
• Initial jobless claims fell 13,000 to 403,000 for the week ended April 16^th.