Statistics of
economic performance that follow other
indicators. Lagging indicators are used to confirm a previous economic trend. For example, an increase in
job creation and a fall in the
unemployment rate are considered lagging indicators of economic
recovery. That is, they occur after other indicators of recovery, such as
GDP growth. As such, job creation and lower unemployment show that the GDP growth has been, and will likely continue to be, sustained. See also:
Leading indicator,
Coincident indicator.