Housing starts were up 11% in the first half of 2015 and were up slightly in July to the highest levels since October 2007. Household formations reached an all-time high in Q2 2015, which bodes well for construction activity. M&A activity in the building products and materials industry remains strong with 73 transactions completed in the first half of 2015. For more detail on housing trends, public market performance and deal activity, read the full report below.