Rookie Education
Understanding the Federal Funds Rate for Investors and Traders: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Is the Federal Funds Rate? The Federal Funds Rate is the interest rate at which banks lend money to each other overnight to meet their reserve requirements. While this might sound like an obscure transaction between financial institutions, it's actually the most powerful interest rate in the
Understanding the Consumer Confidence Index for Investors and Traders: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Is the Consumer Confidence Index? The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers feel about their financial situation and the overall economy. Published monthly by The Conference Board, this index essentially takes the emotional temperature of everyday Americans regarding their willingness to spend money. For investors
Understanding Housing Starts for Investors and Traders: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Housing Starts? Housing starts measure the number of new residential construction projects that have begun during a specific month. This key economic indicator counts the moment ground is broken to build a new home—whether it's a single-family house, an apartment in a multi-unit building, or
Understanding Durable Goods Orders for Investors and Traders: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Durable Goods Orders? Durable goods orders measure the total value of new orders placed with U.S. manufacturers for products designed to last at least three years. These include everything from refrigerators and cars to aircraft and industrial machinery. For investors and traders, this monthly report serves as
Understanding the ISM Manufacturing Index for Investors and Traders: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Is the ISM Manufacturing Index? The ISM Manufacturing Index is a monthly economic indicator that measures the health and direction of the U.S. manufacturing sector. Published by the Institute for Supply Management, this index is based on a survey of purchasing managers at roughly 300 manufacturing companies across
Understanding Retail Sales for Investors and Traders: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Retail Sales? Retail sales measure the total amount of money spent at retail stores across the country during a specific period, typically reported monthly. This economic indicator tracks purchases of everything from groceries and clothing to furniture, electronics, and restaurant meals. For investors and traders, retail sales data
Understanding Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) for Investors and Traders: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Non-Farm Payrolls? Non-Farm Payrolls, commonly known as NFP, is a monthly report that shows how many jobs the U.S. economy added or lost during the previous month, excluding farm workers, private household employees, and non-profit organization employees. For investors and traders, this report is like the Super
Understanding the Unemployment Rate for Investors and Traders: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Is the Unemployment Rate? The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who don't have jobs but are actively looking for work. It's like taking the economic pulse of a nation's job market—telling us what portion of people
