Here are 10 important economic and financial indicators that are commonly watched by investors, businesses, and policymakers:
Gross domestic product (GDP): GDP is a measure of a country’s economic output and is often used to assess the overall health of an economy.
Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate measures the percentage of the labor force that is actively seeking work but is unable to find it.
Consumer price index (CPI): The CPI measures the changes in the prices of a basket of goods and services consumed by households.
Producer price index (PPI): The PPI measures the changes in the prices of goods and services produced by businesses.
Housing starts: Housing starts refer to the number of new homes that are being built, and can be used as an indicator of the strength of the construction industry and consumer demand for housing.
Industrial production: Industrial production measures the output of factories and other industrial facilities, and can be used as a gauge of economic activity.
Retail sales: Retail sales measure the total value of goods sold by retailers, and can be used as an indicator of consumer spending.
Consumer confidence: Consumer confidence measures the level of optimism that consumers have about the economy, and can be used as an indicator of future consumer spending.
Stock market performance: The performance of stock markets, as measured by indices such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average, can be used as an indicator of investor sentiment and the overall health of the economy.
Interest rates: Interest rates, particularly those set by central banks, can have a significant impact on economic activity and are closely watched by investors and businesses.
