Recent commentary pointed to weaker home building as a drag on US construction activity, even as total spending posted only a slight monthly improvement.
Some industry observers tied this year's softer construction pace to the war in Iran and to higher interest rates, gas prices, and inflation.
A housing group's current commentary said housing starts moved lower, with the sharpest pullback concentrated in multifamily properties such as condos and apartments.
An industry expert said residential outlays were roughly flat, but the gap in single-family spending had widened, making that segment important to watch.
That expert also said fewer starts now would likely mean fewer completions by fall, offering a clear signal on near-term US housing supply.
