When are we going to pull out of the recession? The Kiplinger Recovery Index thinks it can tell you, using a sophisticated system of red and green colored boxes and checkmarks and X’s.

They look at at six major indicators: consumer confidence, durable goods, existing home sales, interest-rate spread, jobless claims and retail sales. An X means they’re still crap. A check means thumbs up. The greener the bar, the less crappy. If at least three of these get checkmarks, then the recession is over. Breakdowns tell you what the indicator is, why it matters, and what to watch.

A useful tool for cutting through the swirl of data and hype, updated frequently and always accessible at kiplinger.com/businessresource/recovery.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.