Which of the following is a coincident indicator of economic performance?

Retail sales are considered a coincident indicator of economic performance because they reflect current consumer spending patterns and economic activity. As sales increase or decrease, they provide real-time data on the health of the economy, indicating whether consumers are confident and willing to spend money or are hesitant and cutting back. This direct correlation with everyday economic activities makes retail sales a valuable tool for assessing the current state of the economy.

In contrast, the other options, while they can provide insight into economic trends, do not serve as direct measures of economic performance in the present moment. The stock market is often seen as a leading indicator, reflecting investor expectations about future economic performance rather than current conditions. Asset prices can also fluctuate due to expectations and speculative activity, making them less reliable as coincident indicators. Commercial property prices and occupancy rates may reflect longer-term trends in economic health, rather than immediate changes in consumer behavior and spending.