During the earnings season, investors and stock market traders pay attention to many different variables that affect the stock market. This includes financial data and world issues. This article will cover these factors. Economic data Several major indicators, such as unemployment, GDP and GDP growth, can affect the stock markets. Although not every piece of economic data has a direct impact on the stock market, these indicators can trigger expectations of government action. One of the biggest economic indicators is GDP, which is the dollar value of all goods and services produced in a country during a particular time period. While a good GDP figure can boost share prices, a bad one can have the opposite effect. Another indicator is the Purchasing Managers Index. This is a measure of the growth of the manufacturing sector. A positive figure suggests that businesses are performing well and that their earnings are likely to increase. The housing and construction sector is considered an important part of any economy. The number of construction projects is another indicator of a healthy economy. High construction activity […]