Bellwether Defined
We all use the term "Bellwether" -- think about GE's earnings miss and Google's (GOOG) earnings beat -- but did you ever wonder where it comes from?
Me neither.
It turns out that the term references a castrated ram (No, this is not a cheap shot at GE). English shepards used to employ a castrated ram -- also know as a wether -- to help manage the flock. Despite the Ram's missing accoutrement, the flock of sheep, not knowing any better, followed it anyway. (Gee, that sounds suspiciously familiar!). To make it easy to locate the flock in large fields or thick fog, the shepherds hung a bell around the wether's neck.
Hence the term bellwether: In the stock market, a bellwether (barometer stock in the UK) is the stock of a company that is regarded as a leader in its given industry (castration optional). . .
Now you know!
~~~
Hat tip JW
Monday, April 21, 2008 | 02:30 PM | Permalink
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Comments
Nice... ACI has you stock high.
but is it a post worthy of a philosopher king?
Posted by: Eric Davis | Apr 21, 2008 3:03:28 PM
Thanks. I was just wondering about "wether" and the source of "bellwether."
Posted by: John | Apr 21, 2008 3:26:31 PM
I know it is somewhat off-topic, but the Chinese government, long ago, functioned quite well with eunuchs holding positions of power in the bureaucracy. I'd like to see the practice restored in our modern government - and it wouldn't hurt to do it in large corporations, as well.
It would solve a lot of problems and would make people consider very seriously before embarking on those careers.
Posted by: wally | Apr 21, 2008 3:26:45 PM
I knew that, now find out about a "Gimmer".
Posted by: Big Al | Apr 21, 2008 4:04:25 PM
Today's fact I'd really rather not have learned. Now whenever I hear that word I'll go ouchie and cross my legs.
Posted by: Roger Bigod | Apr 21, 2008 5:35:13 PM
Now we know what sort of person is chosen for political leadership and why. Rasputin would have cheered.
It's easier to ride a GELDING THAN A STALLION.
Posted by: AGG | Apr 21, 2008 6:16:28 PM
Is this another use for a wether bell?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctDX_s5QxZ8
Posted by: Ken H. | Apr 21, 2008 6:22:59 PM
