Your Gateway to Financial Literacy
What Is the Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey? The Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey, conducted weekly by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), is a vital tool for tracking and analyzing U.S. mortgage application activity. This survey has been in operation since 1990 and serves as an essential leading indicator for trends in
Read more
What Is a Leading Indicator? A leading indicator refers to a measurable data set capable of forecasting future economic activity. As their name suggests, these indicators precede changes in the economy and help businesses, investors, and policy makers anticipate trends and make informed decisions. This section will define leading indicators,
Read more
Introduction to the KOF Economic Barometer The KOF Economic Barometer, produced by the KOF Swiss Economic Institute, provides valuable insights into the current status and future direction of economic growth in Switzerland. This comprehensive leading indicator, first published in the 1970s, serves as a crucial tool for institutional investors and
Read more
Introduction to the Business Cycle Understanding the business cycle is crucial for investors, as it offers insight into the economy’s natural ebbs and flows. This economic concept describes the recurring expansion and contraction of an economy over time. In the expansion phase, real gross domestic product (GDP) grows for two
Read more
Introduction to Economic Indicators Economic indicators play a vital role in the world of finance and investment by providing valuable insights into economic conditions and trends. These data points help investors, economists, and policymakers understand current and future economic activity, allowing them to make informed decisions on investments and monetary
Read more