GDP is considered as important because it gives traders information about the overall size of a country's economy, and how rapidly that economy is growing. The growth rate of GDP is often considered even more important that the actual GDP numbers since it is a better indicator of the health of the economy, and the future output. In the broadest terms a growing GDP means the economy is doing well, and a shrinking GDP indicates the economy could be heading for trouble. Strong GDP can also indicate strong employment, consumer sentiment, and consumer spending, since people and businesses tend to have more money in their pockets when GDP is growing. This can lift asset prices across the board as more money is spent and invested.