Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Fun Indicator's in Economy

While datamining for a project on Consumer behavior , I came across the tem "Lipstick effect " coined by Leonard Lauder (chairman of Estee Lauder) .I dwelled more into the term to understand the funda and came across some incredible Indicator's of economy . The indicator's and theories are simple to understand by anyone and you dont need to be a Amartya Sen to coin one. Given below is the list of indicators and their explanation.Mind you guy's its really effective:

Leading Lipstick Indicator
What Does Leading Lipstick Indicator Mean?An indicator based on the theory that a consumer turns to less expensive indulgences, such as lipstick, when she (or he) feels less than confident about the future. Therefore, lipstick sales tend to increase during times of economic uncertainty or a recession.
Explanation of Leading Lipstick Indicator - During tough economic times, the lipstick sales went up. Believe it or not, the indicator has been quite a reliable signal of consumer attitudes over the years. For example, in the months following the September 11 terrorist attacks, lipstick sales doubled.

Aspirin Count Theory
What Does Aspirin Count Theory Mean?A market theory that states stock prices and aspirin production are inversely related. The Aspirin count theory is a lagging indicator and actually hasn't been formally tested, so it is more a humorous hypothesis than a theory.
Explanation of Aspirin Count Theory - As stock prices fall, more and more people need pain relievers to get through the day. For example the Aspirin count theory would predict that as aspirin sales increase, the stock market's value decreases and vice versa.

Jennifer Lopez - J.Lo
What Does Jennifer Lopez - J.Lo Mean?A slang technical analysis term referring to a rounding bottom in a stock's price pattern.
Explanation of Jennifer Lopez - J.LoTraders like the rounding bottom in a stock pattern because it can be an indication of a positive market reversal, meaning expectations are gradually shifting from bearish to bullish. For those unaware, Ms. Lopez is often criticized (or praised) for her round bottom.

Paris Hilton Stock Index
What Does Paris Hilton Stock Index Mean?A stock index comprised of companies associated with the socialite Paris Hilton. Some investors conceive her influence on the consumer spending habits of her fans is material enough to give these companies a competitive advantage.
Explanation of Paris Hilton Stock Index - The concept behind the Paris Hilton Index resides in her endorsements and product lines. Ideally, Hilton's fans see her using certain products or releasing her own brands and flock to purchase the goods. As a result, the companies behind the products experience increased sales. Companies included in this index are Parlux Fragrances (who manufacture Hilton's brand of perfumes), News Corp, Time Warner and Amazon.

There are countless theories and indicators which are directly or inversely proportional to our economy.So next time guys , keep a watch on your or girlfreind's shopping basket and you will come to know by the number of Lipstick's whether the economy is growing or in recession.
Cheers .............

2 comments:

  1. someone should also track applications to the erstwhile frowned upon government jobs !!!

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  2. Absolutely right amit ,and bossman people are keeping tack.more and more applications are being received by the UPSC and state public service commissiond for government jobs due to the recent trend of layoffs in private sector.Also important factor is that the sixth pay commission has givena a lot of incentives to the government sector and more or less the salaries are equivalent to private jobs.

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