While the most obvious influence of the building permits numbers is the number of new homes being built, there are other underlying factors that traders consider when the building permits data is released. For example, rising numbers of building permits means more construction workers are needed, which could lower the unemployment rate, and could also help lift average wages. In addition, all new homes need to be outfitted with appliances, so a rising number of building permits means appliance and furniture makers should be doing quite well for months to come as the new homeowners’ purchase couches, refrigerators, washing machines and the like for their new home.