Consumer Sentiment
Measures how optimistic or pessimistic people feel about the economy, their finances, and future spending. It is measured through surveys on income, employment, and economic conditions. High sentiment suggests confidence and increased spending, while low sentiment signals worry and reduced spending, affecting economic growth.
Unemployment
Portion of the labor force that is actively seeking work but unable to find a job. It’s a key economic indicator that shows the health of the job market. A low unemployment rate suggests a strong economy with plenty of job opportunities, while a high rate indicates economic struggles, with fewer jobs available and more people looking for work.
Retail Sales
Tracks the total revenue retailers make, usually monthly. It measures consumer spending on goods like clothing, electronics, and food. Rising retail sales indicate strong consumer confidence and economic growth, while a decline suggests lower confidence and a slowing economy.
Durable Goods Orders
Durable goods are long-lasting products, like cars, appliances, and machinery, designed to last three years or more. The Durable Goods Orders metric tracks new orders for these items, signaling economic confidence. Rising orders suggest growth, while a drop may indicate a slowdown.
Market Volatility (VIX)
CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), known as the "fear gauge," shows how much market volatility investors expect. A high VIX means people are anticipating big market swings, signaling uncertainty or fear, while a low VIX suggests stability and less risk.