Which type of economic indicator is industrial production considered?

Industrial production is classified as a coincident economic indicator because it reflects the current state of the economy in real-time. Coincident indicators move in line with the overall economy, providing information about the economic activity happening currently. When industrial production increases, it typically indicates that the economy is in a growth phase; conversely, a decrease suggests a contraction. Since industrial production measures output in manufacturing, mining, and utilities, it directly aligns with the current level of economic activity, making it an effective gauge for current economic conditions.

Leading indicators, in contrast, forecast future economic activity, while lagging indicators provide data that confirms trends after they have already begun. Forecasting indicators relate to predictions rather than present conditions. Therefore, the classification of industrial production as a coincident indicator is appropriate due to its ability to reflect the current economic environment.