One economic indicator worth following is the Baltic Dry Index. This index measures the demand for shipping capacity versus the supply of dry bulk carriers. The index as at: 12/11/2008 - 824 13/10/2008 - 1976 12/9/2008 - 4800 12/8/2008 - 6992 12/6/2008 - 10,142 12/5/2008 - 10,220 This index isn't traded, so it is totally devoid of speculative content. People don't book freighters unless they have cargo to move. This indicator clearly showed early this year problems were starting to occur in international trade & hence economic activity. A bottom in the Baltic Dry Index will also probably give us a lead for when the sharemarket will bottom also. Worth keeping an eye on this data. Regards Buffett
UMC Price at posting:
60.0¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held