Myöhäisindikaattorit

Myöhäisindikaattorit, also known as lagging indicators, are economic data points that are released after a trend has already begun or ended. They are used to confirm patterns and assess the strength of an economic trend. Unlike leading indicators, which attempt to predict future economic activity, lagging indicators are historical in nature. They provide a rearview mirror perspective, indicating the direction the economy has taken.

Common examples of lagging indicators include the unemployment rate, consumer price index (CPI), and average duration of unemployment. For instance, the unemployment rate often continues to rise even after an economy has entered a recession, and it typically falls only after economic recovery is well underway. Similarly, inflation figures like CPI tend to reflect past price pressures rather than immediate future changes.

While lagging indicators are not useful for forecasting, they are crucial for confirming the existence and extent of economic trends. Economists and investors use them to validate signals from leading indicators and to get a clearer picture of the current economic situation. They help in understanding the past trajectory of the economy and can inform strategies for the future, but they do not provide advance warning of upcoming changes. Their value lies in their confirmation and retrospective analysis of economic cycles.