economic and stock market indicators

inflation

A general and progressive increase in prices

depression

A long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment

bear market

A market condition in which the prices of securities are falling, and widespread pessimism causes the negative sentiment to be self-sustaining.

recovery

A period characterized by an expansion in the economy during which employment and economic output increase.

Consumer Price Index

A price index that measures the cost of a fixed basket of goods chosen to represent the consumption pattern of a typical consumer.

bull market

A prolonged period of rising stock prices and a general feeling of investor optimism

recession

A slowdown in a nation's economy

consumer confidence indicators

A widely watched leading economic indicator that gauges how consumers feel a/b the economy and their personal finances.

unemployment rate

As measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the proportion of the labor force actively seeking work but unable to find jobs

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIJA)

Measure of average of stock prices of major industries, most widely used barometer of the stock market's health.

Gross Domestic Product

Monetary value of all goods and services produced in a nation each year.

emerging markets

Places where consumer incomes and buying power are increasing because of economic expansion.

Standard and Poor's 500 Stock Index

a stock index based on prices of [a fixed number] major US corporations in a variety of industries and market sectors

Index of Leading Economic Indicators

composite index of 11 economic series that move up and down in advance of changes of the overall economy

housing starts

the number of new homes being built; increased home building usually leads to more job opportunities and expanded consumer spending