Every month brings a stream of economic data. Three indicators, taken together, tell most of the story about where an economy stands: output, employment and prices.
Gross domestic product
GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced. Its growth rate is the broadest gauge of economic health.
Employment
Job creation and the unemployment rate show whether growth is reaching households.
Inflation
Price data determine whether growth is sustainable and how central banks are likely to respond.
Key takeaways
- Gross domestic product
- Employment
- Inflation
