Quote Originally Posted by plv
Lol, those are just two slices of a big and complex pie.
I realize that, but IMO they are the best indicators. I know that no single factor is a tell-tale sign, but those 2 indicators tell you the actual state of the business community. If 1 sector or another is having larger than average lay-off's or hiring it is a great indicator of the health of that sector.




Quote Originally Posted by plv
Not true at all, its a lot more complex than that. Katrina caused the GDP to go up (money spent on the reconstruction of New Orleans). The market went the other way.
That is the result of a specific event though. Just like Xmas sales numbers are higher than an average day doesnt mean retail sales are booming.


Quote Originally Posted by plv
There is no specific indicator that is best, all aspects of the economy fluctuate, sometimes together, sometimes independently of each other, all the government can do is try to keep it balanced through monetary policy.
I agree that all sectors opperate indipendantly, but you will not see many times when the indicators dont match the reality.