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Which unusual sign has historically been associated with an economic boom nearing its peak?

  • Lipstick sales suddenly rising 240 votes (20.7%)
  • Restaurant bookings falling 282 votes (24.3%)
  • Record-breaking skyscrapers being built 484 votes (41.7%)
  • Men buying more underwear 154 votes (13.3%)

Total votes: 1,160

Answer: C – Record-breaking skyscrapers being built.

Explanation: It’s known as the Skyscraper Index.

The idea, popularised by property analyst Andrew Lawrence in 1999, is that plans for record-breaking buildings tend to emerge during periods of abundant credit, soaring property values and extreme confidence — precisely the conditions that can accompany the final stages of a boom.

Famous examples include New York’s skyscraper race around the 1929 crash and the Burj Khalifa, conceived during Dubai’s boom before the global financial crisis.