ANZ Bank's Truckometer index is a fairly accurate measure of business activity which correlates to the GDP well even in the turbulence resulting from the 2020 COVID lockdowns (and trade rebounds).
A less fact based but more localised indicator is the amount of shoppers present in your local CBD or shopping mall, and more especially how many of them are carrying shop issued carry bags indicating that they're actually buying stuff. The amount of retail premises that have To Let signs on them is also an undeniable red flag.
A less fact based but more localised indicator is the amount of shoppers present in your local CBD or shopping mall, and more especially how many of them are carrying shop issued carry bags indicating that they're actually buying stuff. The amount of retail premises that have To Let signs on them is also an undeniable red flag.