Leading vs. Lagging Indicators

Leading vs. Lagging Indicators
Leading Indicators
An index published monthly by the Conference Board used to predict the direction of the economy's movements in the months to come. The index is made up of 10 economic components, whose changes tend to precede changes in the overall economy.

These 5 components include:
1. the average weekly hours worked by manufacturing workers.2. The average number of initial applications for unemployment insurance.3. The amount of manufacturer's new orders for consumer goods and materials.4. The speed of delivery of new merchandise to vendors from suppliers.5. The amount of new orders for capital goods unrelated to defense.

The Million Dollar Question

The Million Dollar Question
How do you figure out whether to freakin’ use oscillators, or trend following indicators, or both? After all, we know they don't always work in tandem.
For now, just know that once you're able to identify the type of market you are trading in, you will then know which indicators will give accurate signals, and which ones are worthless at that time.

Summary
There are two types of indicators: leading and lagging.
A leading indicator gives a buy signal before the new trend or reversal occurs.
A lagging indicator gives a signal after the trend has started .
Technical indicators into one of two categories: Oscillators and trend following or momentum indicators.