The rate of growth in housing construction, usually expressed as a year on year percentage change. The number of housing starts is an indicator of the strength of the construction sector. Also, due to the multiplier effect purchases of homes has on the rest of the economy, Housing Starts serves as a leading indicator for overall growth. Because of real estate's sensitivity to interest rates, Starts respond quickly to changes in the business cycle, slowing at the onset of a recession and rapidly growing at the beginning of an economic boon.

Relevance: Rarely affects markets
Release schedule: 6:45 (GMT); monthly, first week of every month, two months after the report period
Source of report: National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE)
Web Address: http://www.insee.fr/en/home/home_page.asp
Address of release: http://www.insee.fr/en/indicateur/tableau_de_bord/fiche_tableau_de_bord.asp?id_tbc_the=3