Economic Factors - Economic Indicators

There are several economic factors that change prior to, during, or simultaneously with the business cycle. These factors are examined by analysts to determine the current state of the economy. We will examine the three common types of indicators below.

• Leading Indicators: A measurable economic factor that changes before the economy starts to follow a particular pattern or trend. Leading indicators are used to predict changes in the economy, but are not always accurate. Bond yields are typically a good leading indicator of the market because traders anticipate and speculate trends in the economy.
  Other types of leading indicators include:
  • building permits (new private housing)
  • industrial production rates
  • money supply
  • S&P 500
  • average of weekly unemployment insurance claims
    
• Lagging Indicators: A measurable economic factor that changes after the economy has already begun to follow a particular pattern or trend. Lagging indicators confirm long-term trends, but do not predict them. Interest rates (especially the prime interest rate) are a good lagging indicator; rates change after severe market changes. Other examples are:
  • unemployment rates
  • corporate profit
  • labor cost per unit of output
    
• Coincident Indicators: An economic factor that varies directly and simultaneously with the business cycle, thus indicating the current state of the economy.
  Some examples include:
  • nonagricultural employment
  • personal income
  • inventory/sales ratio

Economic indicators can have a huge impact on the market and knowing how to interpret and analyze them is important for all investors.

Without further ado, the tutorial Economic Indicators to Know will examine 11 economic indicators we feel investors should understand.

Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/exam-guide/finra-series-6/economic-factors/economic-indicators.asp#ixzz1yhRcBvnR