The Intrade Growth, Unemployment and S&P Depression Index (GUSD Index) is designed to measure the general condition of the United States’ economy, and allow comparison between quarters to determine if conditions are improving or worsening.

The lower the value of the Index, the worse the economy is performing. An increase in the value of the Index between quarters indicates an improvement in conditions, while a decrease in value indicates things have gotten worse.

There are three components that comprise the Index:

1. The percentage change in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between quarters

2. The change in the unemployment rate between quarters

3. The percentage change in the S&P 500 stock Index between quarters

You can trade on our Q2 2009 GUSD Index market HERE.