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You'll know the economy is improving if: Caterpillar says demand for its yellow-and-black machines is picking up, and that it plans to boost production. That could signal more government stimulus spending on new roads and building projects, requiring construction firms to stock up on new equipment. It also could also push Caterpillar to rehire workers laid off this year.

_ You'll know the economy is not improving if: Caterpillar says the construction of buildings like skyscrapers and sports stadiums remains stagnant. That could mean deeper job and production cuts. Earlier this year, Caterpillar said it would slash more than 22,000 jobs, or 19 percent of its work force.

_ The quote: "We believe recovery will come _ it seems more likely now than it did four or five months ago," CEO Jim Owens said in August. "We're going to benefit by the world's need for basic infrastructure, basic commodities. Essentially, without our equipment, you can't get there."

Boeing Co.

_ Why it's important: Boeing builds airplanes that carry people and goods around the world. Travelers fly on its well-known 737 and 747 passenger jets, while packages and other cargo are delivered on its freighters. Boeing also makes military jets, satellites and other defense systems that countries use to protect their borders. Boeing is a major U.S. exporter.

_ When it will report: Wednesday, Oct. 21.

_ What the experts say: Boeing is expected to post a loss of $2.11 per share on revenue of $17.30 billion, compared with a profit of 96 cents on revenue of $15.29 billion in the same period a year earlier.

_ You'll know the economy is improving if: Boeing sees fewer delays or cancellations of plane orders from airlines or cargo companies. The economic downturn and dwindling air travel have forced some Boeing customers to shelve or put off plans to buy aircraft.

_ You'll know the economy is not improving if: Boeing says it plans to further scale back its airplane production or offer more financial help to cash-strapped airlines.

_The quote: "What we're seeing is a very slow, tepid ... perhaps a little bit volatile recovery. And even then we've got a long ways to go," Drew McGill, director of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, told analysts in September.

3M Co.

_Why It's Important: 3M makes everything from Scotch tape to auto parts and is a barometer for the economy. Its consumer goods include Post-It Notes, fishing gear, and insect repellent. The paint on your car is protected by 3M coating. Doctors check heartbeats with 3M stethoscopes and gamblers touch slot machine screens made by 3M. Swine flu fears have lifted demand for the company's face masks.

_When it will report: Thursday, Oct. 22.

_What the experts say: The consensus of analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters is that 3M will earn $1.16 per share on revenue of $5.76 billion. That's down from $1.41 per share on revenue of $6.56 billion a year earlier.

_You'll know the economy is improving if: 3M reports strong back-to-school sales. Consumer spending has been weak, so an uptick may mean that parents were willing to shell out more as their children returned to class.

_You'll know the economy is not improving if: Sales of auto and housing products don't improve. Those two areas were devastated by the recession; if 3M sees continued weakness there, its a sign the road ahead remains bumpy.

_The quote: "There is at least some growth in the overall level of economic activity," Patrick Campbell, 3M's chief financial officer, told analysts recently. "We're hoping that level of activity can stay."

Stanley Works Co.

_ Why it's important: Stanley Works makes tools used by consumers and factories, so its results will show how far we've come in rebuilding the economy. Its hammers and levels hang in home workshops and are piled in the back of contractors' pickups. The company also sells big tools used on factory floors and by mechanics.

_ When it will report: Wednesday, Oct. 21.

_ What the experts say: The consensus of analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters is that Stanley Works will earn 62 cents per share on sales of $952.6 million. That's down sharply from $2.06 per share on revenue of $1.12 billion in the third quarter of 2008.

_ You'll know the economy is improving if: Stanley Works sells more industrial tools, which are used to build everything from cars and trucks to roofs and floors.

_ You'll know the economy is not improving if: Sales slip for its consumer, or do-it-yourself market, showing that homeowners are not yet ready to spend money on repair and renovation projects.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.

_ Why it's important: Freeport-McMoran Copper and Gold Inc. is the world's largest publicly traded copper mining company. Its metals are widely used in everything from consumer electronics to homes. Copper, for example, can be found in wiring and pipes for buildings and houses. Gold is a safe-haven investment for people who are anxious about the state of the nation's financial system.

_ When it will report: Wednesday, Oct. 21.

_ What the experts say: Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters have forecast, on average, third-quarter earnings of $1.29 per share on revenue of $4 billion. A year ago, the company reported net income of $523 million, or $1.31 per share, on revenue of $4.62 billion.

_ You'll know the economy is improving if: Demand for some of Freeport's products rebounds. That could signal a reinvigorated housing market that needs wiring and pipes. It may also show that shoppers are out again, buying everything from game consoles to computers.

_ You'll know the economy is not improving if: People keeping bidding up the price of gold that is mined by companies like Freeport. Gold has soared as people look to park their cash in a safe asset.

The quote: "You've seen international demand in the way of China, which is good; that's only half the story. The other half is the U.S. housing industry. Unless that recovers, you know, (copper) prices should stay pretty much where they are now," Argus research analyst Bill Selesky said.

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AP Business Writers Daniel Lovering in Pittsburgh, Sandy Shore Denver and Stephen Singer in Hartford contributed to this report.


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* Economical worksheet of major businesses ,including prospective projections. It's a descent checklist proving their is little light at the end of the tunnel. More investing as support is needed. *

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