This tutorial provides an introduction to the use of economic indicators in evaluating the health of the economy. It explains the key jargon and cover the collection and publication of data, the compiling of index numbers, the calculation of growth rates, the use of indicators for comparison purposes, and the secrets and pitfalls in interpreting the indicators. We look at the importance of GDP as an economic indicator for the financial markets. We explain the fundamental concepts and jargon that are key to interpreting national account statistics and describes the general reaction of the various markets to GDP reports.

On completion of this tutorial, you will be able to:
- Describe what economic indicators are, what they are used for, who publishes them, and who uses them
- Outline the process for the collection, calculation, and publication of economic indicators
- Use some basic numerical techniques for interpreting economic indicators
- Explain the key issues to look for when interpreting economic indicators
- Recognise the importance of national account statistics to financial market participants
- Interpret the different measures of GDP, with particular emphasis on the reaction of the main financial markets to GDP reports

Module 1: Economic Indicators - An Introduction
Topic 1: Overview of Economic Indicators
Topic 2: Compilation & Publication of Economic Indicators
Topic 3: Secrets & Pitfalls in Interpreting Economic Indicators
Topic 4: Numerical Techniques for Interpreting Economic Indicators

Module 2: Economic Indicators - National Accounts
Topic 1: Fundamentals of National Accounts
Topic 2: Interpreting National Account Statistics