bellwether

Definition

A leading company or sector that serves as a reliable indicator of the future direction of an entire market or industry.

Etymology

The term comes from Middle English, referring to a castrated ram (a wether) wearing a bell around its neck that led the flock. Over time, it evolved to metaphorically describe any leader or indicator that points the way for others.

In the news

TSMC is described as a bellwether because its performance is seen as a key gauge for the rest of the semiconductor industry. Investors look to its results to forecast broader market trends.

Benchmarks trade in positive terrain; media shares jump

Business Standard

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