Monitor US Housing Starts to gauge economic health through construction's ripple effects on jobs and services.
This serves as a key indicator of economic vitality, as building construction generates a broad range of effects. For instance, it creates jobs for construction workers, engages subcontractors and inspectors, and leads to the purchase of various services by builders. Although this data is reported monthly, it is expressed in an annualized format (monthly figure multiplied by 12). It tends to be slightly overshadowed by Building Permits since they are closely linked, and a permit is required before construction can commence.
What it Measures
The annualized count of new residential buildings that started construction in the prior month.
Usual Effect
When the 'Actual' figure surpasses the 'Forecast', it positively impacts the currency.
Source & Frequency
Census Bureau (latest release) - https://www.census.gov/ • Published monthly, on the 12th business day following the end of the month.
How Data is Derived
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Also Known As
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Acronym
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