bellwether bell‧weth‧er [ˈbelˌweDə ǁ -ər] noun [countable]
FINANCE a type of stock, share etc whose price is thought to show the probable future direction of the market as a whole:
• He periodically checks on a few properties chosen as bellwethers to see if prices are rising or falling.
• With 40% of sales of pharmaceuticals, the company is the bellwether stock of the sector.
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An instrument or indicator that is generally seen to be an indicator of the overall market, economy or sector's performance. From the lead sheep of a flock, which is belled.
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bellwether UK US /ˈbelˌweðər/ US /-ðɚ/ noun [C]
► someone or something that is believed to show how a situation will develop or change in the future: bellwether for/of sth »
The report is viewed as a bellwether for national economic trends.
► FINANCE a share whose performance is believed to show the future performance of the financial markets: »
Investors will be eagerly awaiting the guidance from bellwether stocks.
► ECONOMICS a company whose success or failure is believed to show the future direction of a particular industry or the economy: »
The firm is seen as a bellwether, important for cyclicals and the whole market.
► FINANCE BELLWETHER BOND(Cf. ↑bellwether bond)
Financial and business terms. 2012.