Investors consider it a bellwether of economic sentiment and a possible indicator of the direction of the stock market.
However, they appeared to be working longer hours, a possible indicator that they are taking on other responsibilities such as IT and HR as other teams are squeezed.
The study also noted a drop in the proportion of nonelderly adults who have visited a dentist in the past year, a possible indicator of declining dental insurance.
Wheelchair pushers say they see the ability to schlep a huge bag as a possible indicator that someone does not truly need assistance.
No one is really sure how many people are out there catching waves, but a possible indicator of the sport's increasing popularity is the growth of the Surfrider Foundation, which was founded in 1984 in Malibu.
The review's conclusion that "membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism", shows that, grosso modo, the more hardline view from abroad has carried the day.
About 1 in 150 ill patients go on to develop a stiff neck, a possible indicator of meningitis, or muscle weakness, a staggered gait or mental confusion, symptoms of encephalitis.
In past Tours, officials relied on urine tests and drew blood only to determine whether cyclists' red-blood-cell counts were too high, a possible indicator but not proof of doping.
SUBLETTING of co-ops -- not so long ago a possible indicator of a building's dire financial straits and even, for some shareholders, the last gasp before abandoning their apartments -- isn't what it used to be.
Another critical measurement would be the percentage of certain types of cases that get thrown out after a defined period of time, a possible indicator of inefficiency as well as disregard for traditionally under-prosecuted crimes.
