Before adjusting for seasonal factors, housing starts were up 11.3 percent from December.
And after adjusting for seasonal factors, he said, "the picture is still of a continued weak economy."
At least, it will show increases "after adjustment for seasonal factors."
Once seasonal factors were allowed for, a 7,400 growth was detected.
Analysts said the bigger gains were due in large part to seasonal factors.
Part of the rise is caused by seasonal factors, he said.
But these are not normal times in the debt market because of seasonal and other factors.
But seasonal factors could temporarily push them higher in the weeks ahead.
"Exports might fall because of seasonal factors, but production will continue to rise."
The seasonal factors are based on the performance of prices last year.