Officially called the Consumer Sentiment Index, this figure measures the level of consumer confidence and is an average of five indices measuring different aspects of consumer fiscal health. This is one of the few indicators that are entirely expectation-based. Households report their views on current buying conditions for household items and where they feel are the "wisest" places to invest savings. Views on future political policy (taxes, politicians, government) and economic conditions (wages, inflation, unemployment) are also surveyed.

Confidence figures are often leading indicators for the consumer spending and the economy as a whole. The headline figure is percentage change in the index value from that of the previous month.

A comprehensive measure of a New Zealand 's overall production and consumption of goods and services. GDP serves as one of the primary measures of overall economic well-being. Economic expansion, indicated by a growing GDP, raises concerns about inflationary pressure.

GDP calculates the total market value of goods and services produced in New Zealand within a given period after deducting the cost of goods and services used up in the process of production. Therefore, GDP excludes intermediate goods and services and considers final aggregates only. It is calculated as:

GDP = C + I + G + (EX - IM)

where

C = private consumption
I = private investment
G = government expenditure
EX = exports of goods and services
IM = imports of goods and services

The headline figures for GDP are the percentage growth rate from the previous quarter and the annualized percentage change in GDP. These are the preliminary figures, and are usually revised every following month.

Japan machinery orders received from the private sector excluding volatile orders.

Tracks the number of the employed in Australia . The figure appears in the monthly Labour Force Survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. A surge in new employment suggests higher spending potential and budding inflation pressures, which the RBA often counters with rate increases.

The headline figure is the annualized percentage change in employed workers.

The percentage of individuals in the labor force who are without a job but actively seeking one. A higher Unemployment Rate is generally a drain on the economy. Not only does it mean that resources are not being fully utilized, but it also results in lower consumer spending as there are fewer workers receiving paychecks.

Note: The unemployment rate generally moves slowly, so changes of only a few tenths of a percent are still considered significant. Also note that the unemployment rate does not account for discouraged workers. Therefore, in an economically depressed environment, such as that which occurred in Cold War era East Germany, the Unemployment Rate may not accurately reflect the extent of problems.