Leading Economic Indicators
Leading economic indicators are a set of economic statistics that are used to predict future economic activity. These indicators are used to measure the current state of the economy and to forecast future economic trends. They are used by governments, businesses, and investors to make decisions about economic policy and investments. The leading economic indicators include measures of consumer confidence, employment, manufacturing, and housing.
History of Leading Economic Indicators
The concept of leading economic indicators was first developed in the 1930s by the US Department of Commerce. The idea was to use economic data to predict future economic activity. The first set of leading economic indicators was released in 1938 and included measures of industrial production, employment, and consumer spending. Since then, the list of leading economic indicators has grown to include measures of consumer confidence, housing, and manufacturing.
Table of Comparisons
Indicator | Description |
---|---|
Consumer Confidence | Measures consumer sentiment about the economy. |
Employment | Measures the number of people employed. |
Manufacturing | Measures the level of manufacturing activity. |
Housing | Measures the level of housing activity. |
Summary
Leading economic indicators are a set of economic statistics that are used to predict future economic activity. These indicators are used by governments, businesses, and investors to make decisions about economic policy and investments. The leading economic indicators include measures of consumer confidence, employment, manufacturing, and housing. For more information about leading economic indicators, visit the websites of the US Department of Commerce, the Federal Reserve, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
See Also
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- Producer Price Index (PPI)
- Employment Cost Index (ECI)
- Retail Sales
- Housing Starts
- Industrial Production
- Durable Goods Orders
- Business Inventories
- Consumer Credit