U.S. markets close sharply lower — but some economists say economy looks stable

Economists hold differing opinions concerning market performance and overall economic stability. While stock market performance is often an indicator of economic status, it’s not the only determining factor. A decline in the stock market, like what U.S. markets did, might seem alarming, but it’s essential to look at broad indicators for a complete view of economic health.

Economic stability is typically measured by a mix of various indexes including GDP growth rate, employment rates, inflation rate, business profit trends, consumer spending,