Bizarre Economic Indexes Economists have been way off with their forecasts during the last few years. Making sense of the latest economic indicators has become less science and more gut. Brought to you by
May 30, 2015
Bizarre Economic Indexes Economists have been way off with their forecasts during the last few years. Making sense of the latest economic indicators has become less science and more gut.
Brought to you by
[ Super Bowl Indicator ] A Super Bowl win for a team from the old AFL (AFC division) foretells a decline in the stock market for the coming year. A win for a team from the old NFL (NFC division) means the stock market will be up for the year.
Concept
Proof The accuracy rate of this index !since its inception in 1967.!
80%
The S&P 500 average gain for the three years (’67, ‘96, ’10) that the Green Bay Packers have won the Super Bowl. !
15.82% [An old NFL (NFC division) team]
[ The Aspirin Indicator ]
Sales of aspirin and other headache !medications are expected to increase !as the economy heads toward rough !times, and more people feel the stress. !
Concept
Proof
The % that Advil sales went up in 2008 at the height of economic uncertainty.!
2%
[ Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Indicator ]
An American model !appearing on the cover !suggests that the S&P !500 will generate a return !above its historical average, !while a non-American leads !to under-performance. !
Concept
Proof
2011 Irina Shayk
Russian-born
2010 Brooklyn Decker American-born
S&P 500
0.00% change 13%
[ Cardboard Box Indicator ]
A sharp decline in the usage of cardboard means a recession is !on the horizon, while an increase indicates expansion.!
Concept
Proof
Much of the world's goods are shipped in cardboard containers. When cardboard box sales increase, it means companies are shipping a greater number of goods to sell, and therefore employing more people. Smurfit Kappa, Europe’s largest producer of cardboard boxes, saw results fall by $269.9 million in 2008 from a year earlier, as operating profits declined 50%.!
[ Coupon Redemption Index ]
When the economy slips, consumers turn to coupons !to cut costs on things like detergent, toothpaste, and groceries.!
Concept
Proof Rise in coupon use during the !second quarter of 2011.!
2%
Number of coupons redeemed in 2009 as!consumers looked to save more at the market.! 3.3 Billion
Two indicators: First, men will buy ties to appear that they're working harder during difficult economic times. Second, ties get slimmer during bad times and brighter when the economy starts to recover.!
Concept
Proof
In the U.K., with news that layoffs could be coming in 2007, sales of ties spiked as men tried to show employers that they came to do work. Width of the ties narrowed due to austerity measures during past wars. Current production abilities seemed to have put that indicator on hold. But anyone who has spent time in lower Manhattan will tell you that skinny ties are back.!
[ Skinny Tie Indicator ]
The intensity of Marine Corps ads evolve with !hiring trends. During tough times, civilians who !can't get work are more likely to enlist. But if too !many people sign up, the Marines toughen up their videos to scare off potential recruits. !
Concept
[ Marine Advertisement Intensity Index ]
Proof
Past commercials displayed a young !recruit rock climbing sans gear – !illustrating the army as exercise and a !fun new adventure. Recent commercials !depict war – highlighting the commitment !and danger of joining the marine corps. !
For FREE articles and insight about surviving a tough economy, visit
Sign up for a range of FREE daily e-letters and gain access to economic commentary,
analysis and market forecasts.
AGORAFINANCIAL.COM