Using Economic Indicators to Improve Investment Analysis

"A virtual bible of how economic indicators are constructed and used. Important tidbits of history are mixed with present-day nuances to explain why we should care about all the economic indicators."
—Allen Grommet, Senior Economist, Cambridge Consumer Credit Index

"This book is an indispensable resource for anyone that wants a practical understanding of the economy and how it is measured. The information is clear, concise, and will help investors at all levels leverage the vast amount of economic data available."
—Jesse Harriott, PhD, Vice President of Research, Monster Worldwide, Inc.

This updated guide to economic indicators -- what they are and what they really mean -- covers all major economic indicators, from GDP to the consumer price index. You'll not only learn what key economic measurements are and how to read and interpret them, you'll discover how to use them to make better, more-informed financial, trading, and investing decisions.

Illustrations v

Preface ix Acknowledgments xiii

CHAPTER 1 Cycles, Markets, and Participants 1

CHAPTER 2 National Income and Product Accounts 23

CHAPTER 3 The Consumer Sector 53

CHAPTER 4 Investment Spending 87

CHAPTER 5 The Foreign Sector 115

CHAPTER 6 The Government Sector 129

CHAPTER 7 Inflation 135

CHAPTER 8 The Labor Market 175

CHAPTER 9 Other Measures of Production 201

CHAPTER 10 The Federal Reserve System 227

CHAPTER 11 The Treasury 261

CHAPTER 12 Making Strategic Investment Decisions 279

Appendix A Sources of Information 303

Appendix B Economic Indicator Releases by Statistical Agency 309

Notes 313

Bibliography 319

About the Author 329

Index 331

EVELINA M. TAINER is Chief Economist at Econoday, a California-based firm that specializes in providing economic information to corporate and individual investment clients. Previously chief economist at Carr Futures and president of Simply Economics, Tainer has taught economics and finance at the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and other Chicago-area universities. She has written about economics and finance for numerous national magazines and newspapers.

PRAISE FOR USING ECONOMIC INDICATORS TO IMPROVE INVESTMENT ANALYSIS THIRD EDITION

"Once again, Evelina Tainer has cleared the fog of economic confusion. Her work deciphers and encapsulates the metrics employed by professional speculators in the magnitude of George Soros and Edwin Lefèvre. This thesis is a requisite desktop reference for every market participant."
—John Alda, Managing Director, Alda Macro Fund Management

"Tainer's latest book is a tour de force through the world of esoteric economic numbers and jargon. Written in layman's terms, her latest book can be understood by anyone interested in navigating the world of professional economics."
—Kathleen Camilli, founder and Principal of Camilli Economics, LLC

"A virtual bible of how economic indicators are constructed and used. Important tidbits of history are mixed with present-day nuances to explain why we should care about all the economic indicators."
—Allen Grommet, Senior Economist, Cambridge Consumer Credit Index

"Tainer has produced an essential reference source for any economist and public policy analyst interested in the careful review of economic releases and their impact on capital markets. This work reflects her long experience in the profession and her feel for the financial market. I especially enjoyed her market reaction and key points sections on some of my favorite and sometimes infamous indicators."
—John E. Silvia, Chief Economist, Wachovia Corporation

"This book is an indispensable resource for anyone that wants a practical understanding of the economy and how it is measured. The information is clear, concise, and will help investors at all levels leverage the vast amount of economic data available."
—Jesse Harriott, PhD, Vice President of Research, Monster Worldwide, Inc.