lagging indicator

Definition of lagging indicator

: an economic indicator (such as spending on new plants and equipment) that more often than not maintains an existent trend for some time after the state of the economy has turned onto an opposite trend

— called also lagger

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Last Updated

24 Apr 2020

Cite this Entry

“Lagging indicator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lagging%20indicator. Accessed 26 May. 2020.

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More Definitions for lagging indicator

lagging indicator

noun

Financial Definition of lagging indicator

What It Is

A lagging indicator is a financial gauge that becomes measurable only after an economic shift has taken place.

How It Works

There are certain economic indicators that rely on changes in productivity or economic growth. For this reason, lagging indicators do not lend themselves to forecasting. Examples of lagging indicators include company earnings and levels of unemployment.

Why It Matters

Analysts and economic policymakers measure lagging indicators to confirm or refute previous analyses and the effectiveness of policy directives.

Source: Investing Answers