However, not everyone agrees that the rating agencies' verdicts are the best barometer of economic health.

BBC: UK credit rating 'on the edge'

Electricity usage, perhaps the best barometer of economic activity, was essentially flat this summer on a month-to-month basis.

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President Obama himself sees GDP as an incomplete barometer of economic health.

FORBES: Why GDP Growth Matters

Still, GDP is an extremely useful barometer of economic vitality.

FORBES: Why GDP Growth Matters

The shipping industry, often seen as a barometer of global economic health, has been hurt by high fuel costs, a slump in trade, and the retreat of lending from European banks.

WSJ: What's News

Jobless claims are clearly a barometer of the larger economic picture and are more of a coindicator than a leading indicator.

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Of course, the Australian economy is very sensitive to commodity prices, and is used by some as a barometer of the global economic outlook.

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As the founder of the Monthly Barometer and the Global Risk Network at the World Economic Forum, Thierry has made a career out of connecting dots.

FORBES: Managing Disequilibrium

Tiffany stock is a barometer of the growing wealth at the very top of the economic pyramid.

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The stockmarket is used both as a barometer of investors' risk aversion and as a lead indicator of economic health.

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