Financial volatility, specifically stock market uncertainty, can predict a significant portion of economic activity in the US. During stable economic periods, stock market volatility alone can explain a large portion of real growth. By combining stock market volatility with other financial indicators, a measure of overall risk, risk-premiums, and monetary policy can be created, which can track and anticipate changes in the business cycle. This analysis focuses on a measure of volatility that captures long-term uncertainty in capital markets and is particularly effective at explaining economic trends over six months to a year.