Economic Data Weaker Than Expected, Futures Down

July housing permits and import prices were just released, and the numbers were mixed. July housing starts came in at 604,000, versus expectations of 600,000. Building permits came in at 597,000, versus estimates of 605,000. July import prices were hotter than expected, rising 0.3%, versus estimates of -0.1%. Export prices fell 0.4%. Futures are lower on weaker than expected economic growth around the world. Dow futures are off 93 points, NASDAQ futures are off 24 points, and S&P 500 futures are off 16 points.