lipstick posts

Last week's volatile rollercoaster ride in the world stock markets confused many and had every consultant, trader, broker and advisor checking the numbers minute by minute as financial power players reacted to the US economic downgrade.

With all the reports, analysis and debates over what was happening to currencies, stocks and national economies, a bit of levity is welcome in the face of scary predictions and overwhelming numbers.

So although the economists rely on statistics and history to make their calls, there are a few other ways the economy's path is revealed - through some favourite consumer product purchases.

First up as an economic indicator: MUI or the Men's Underwear Index.