• Market Tools
• Economic Calendar
• Charts

Individually, each stock chart technical analysis link provides a quick snapshot of market and economic conditions. Combined, each of these stock indicators provide comprehensive insight into the health and direction of the market. Studying and understanding these stock picking and screening tools has improved my ability to plan effective trading strategies & increased my understanding of the market indicies and industry in general.Read the information next to each chart to learn more about each one.

In addition to the charts I've included below, the following economic indicators are widely used to track market conditions. They are included in an economic scoring system updated and published periodically by The Conference Board.

• Average weekly hours worked by manufacturing workers
• Average number of initial applications for unemployment insurance
• Number of manufacturers' new orders for consumer goods and materials
• Speed of delivery of new merchandise to vendors from suppliers
• Amount of new orders for capital goods unrelated to defense
• Amount of new building permits for residential buildings
• The S&P 500 stock index
• Inflation-adjusted monetary supply (M2)
• Spread between long and short interest rates (the yield curve)
• Consumer sentiment

To better understand these leading economic indicators, and to help you better follow stock market news and commentary, download a copy of the Business Cycle Indicators Handbook written by The Conference Board from our Downloads page today. Then post your comments in the stock message board.