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General TradingB
Building Permits Survey (BPS)
The Building Permits Survey (BPS) is a US economic indicator that measures the number of new residential construction permits issued by local governments. Because permits are required before construction can begin, the data serves as a leading indicator of future housing market activity and broader economic health. An increase in building permits suggests confidence in the housing market and economic growth, while a decline may signal a slowdown. Traders and economists closely watch this monthly report for insights into consumer demand and construction sector employment.
Example
“Building permits dropped 8% month-over-month, signaling that higher mortgage rates were beginning to cool new housing construction.”