What are the major indicators, identifiable factors, in a market economy to watch?

Answer 1

In the U.S., good indicators include the stock market (it may not be the best indicator alone though), the prime rate, as it is set based on the economies performance (a falling prime rate is a signal that the economy is slowing, so they are trying to boost it by making money more available; a rising rate means the economy is doing well), the unemployment rate is a good indicator of the economy (low unemployment means the economy is strong, and it will stregnthen the economy, because more people are employed, so more money is circulating), and the housing market is a slight indication (right now it is slipping or levelling off, not because the economy is poor; prices were just inflated too high based on speculation, and they are now adjusting to proper values). I hope some of these answers are helpful. If you are trying to evaluate the current economy, they show a strong economy in the U.S. If it is an academic question, you may not want to emphasize the stock market, because it is a reaction to the other factors.

Answer 2

When George Bush leaves office the economy will skyrocket again!