Here’s some positive economic news for a change.
U.S. Economy: Single-Family Home Starts Rose in July

Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) — American builders broke ground on more single-family homes in July for a fifth straight month as the real-estate industry stabilized further.

Work began on single-family dwellings at a 490,000 annual pace last month, up 1.7 percent from June and the most since October, the Commerce Department reported today in Washington. Total housing starts unexpectedly fell, depressed by a 13 percent decrease in multifamily units, including condominiums and apartment buildings.

Falling home values and government stimulus efforts such as the tax credit for first-time buyers are boosting sales and stemming the housing meltdown that triggered the financial crisis. Another report showed wholesale prices dropped more than forecast, giving the Federal Reserve more time to foster and sustain a recovery before concern over inflation surfaces.