Hail to the CAB

We are all looking for any edge we can find in forecasting economic conditions -- and, thus, in the stock market -- and the American Chemistry Council decided to assist in our cause. The ACC recently started publishing what it calls the Chemical Activity Barometer (CAB), a leading indicator based on data specific to the chemical industry. It appears the CAB is able to play a role similar to that of the Baltic Dry Index, an industry-specific barometer that can give an early warning on general conditions further down the supply chain.

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