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Almost every package starts with a box. It travels from a factory floor to a loading dock to a front porch
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But that same box does more than carry what you ordered. It carries clues about the economy
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Economists call it the cardboard box index. When box orders drop, it can signal a slowdown in shopping and shipping
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When stacks build up, it means demand is strong and businesses are preparing for more sales
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Virginia Tech economist Jadrian Wooten says fewer boxes and rising job losses flashed early warning signs in the 2008 recession
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Investopedia says 75 to 80 percent of goods arrive in a box
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Chip Lupo with Wallet Hub says the box index isn't perfect, but it can give an early read on consumer confidence before bigger numbers like GDP catch up
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The latest report from the Bureau of Economic ysis shows GDP grew 3.3 percent in the second quarter, driven by higher consumer spending and fewer imports
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Economists also watch other signals, home construction, car sales, even lunchtime traffic to see how Americans are spending
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Read the full story right now on the Straight Arrow News mobile app or go to san.com
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For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey
