My thoughts jump to GDP, job creation, unemployment and inflation.

Are there any other indicators that effect the general population to the same degree?

I am gathering the history of these indicators in order to compare the performance of the economy under the various presidents.

I watch for manufacturing and assembly plants and businesses closing down, and increasing numbers of guests in the homeless shelter where I volunteer. GDP is primarily an indicator of the state of the wealthy, and job creation is a myth. When a thousand well-paying skilled labor (manufacturing or assembly, say) jobs are sent to cheaper labor markets overseas and fifteen hundred new jobs are created bussing tables at MacDonald's, the numbers show that as an improvement in "job creation." Unemployment figures do not take into consideration people who do not qualify, perhaps due to length of employment, nor people whos benefits have run out while they remain out of work. Inflation, as it is measured, is meaningless. I am 53 years old. When I was in college, I could buy a loaf of bread, a half-dozen eggs, a quart of milk and a stick of butter (1/4 lb.) for a buck and a quarter. Less than 30 years ago (I was a late bloomer, and was in Viet Nam when I should have been in school). In 1965, a new Mustang cost about $2500. Apply these numbers to today's inflation model and see what you come up with. And I pay attention when the federal government makes it nearly impossible for private citizens to file for bankrupcy. They knew something was coming, don't you think? The "economy" is simply a construct to measure the wealth of the wealthy, and has nothing to do with the standard of living of the average income earner in this country.

The most important indicators of the economy as far as I'm concerned???



Am I working, paying my bills, and able to have just a little fun?
Screw the GDP and all that other crap,
it's about ME!

Very true Sky.
What about just being able to work and pay your bills?...I'm up for free fun. But I cannot even pay my bills. (and I have a colluge dagre)

Lefty,

You live in an area that is economically depressed
even in a good economy!