Men's underwear index
Men's underwear index can indicate economic recovery after a slump.
The men's underwear index (MUI) is an economic index that can supposedly detect the beginnings of a recovery during an economic slump. The premise is that men's underwear are a necessity in normal economic times and sales remain stable. During a severe downturn, demand for these goods changes as new purchases are deferred.[1] Hence, men's purchasing habits for underwear (and that of their spouses on their behalf) is thought to be a good indicator of discretionary spending for consumption at large especially during turnaround periods.
This indicator is noted for being followed by former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan.[2]
See also
- Big Mac index
- Hemline index
- Lipstick index
References
External links
- Alan Greenspan's Underwear Drawer January 1, 2008
- Blue Chip, White Cotton: What Underwear Says About the Economy By Ylan Q. Mui Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, August 31, 2009
- May 25, 2011 Unemployment Rate Hits 9.7 Percent As Economy Sheds 216,000 Jobs In August By Arthur Delaney
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