Economic Indicator

An economic indicator is usually, but not always (see Skirt Length Theory) , a factual, objective, and calculated number about the economy that indicates what has happened, is happening, or will happen. These values are most often compared to their previous values in order to observe changes and trends in the indicator's value and thereby giving the trader and idea about changes in the economy that will effect the futures and stock markets.

The Economic Events page will keep you up-to-date with which economic reports are coming out today and in the next couple of days.

Economic Indicators are generally broken into 3 categories; Leading Indicators, Coincident Indicators, and Lagging Indicators.

The following indicators are generally considered to be important economic indicators that have more influence over the economy than other indicators.

Beige Book, CCI, Consumer Price Index, Employee Cost Index, Employment Situation Report, Gross Domestic Product, Housing Starts, Philadelphia Fed Index, Producer Price Index, Purchasing Managers Index, Retail Sales Data

Other more unusual and sometimes questionable indicators include the Leading Lipstick Indicator and Skirt Length Theory.