Want to keep track of the economy in near-real time? Don't wait for the usual monthly reports most analysts follow -- the reports can be issued after quite some time. Instead, the Wall Street Journal recommends a handful of weekly reports that can be as insightful. (Subscription required.) Among the options:

• Initial jobless claims
• Mortgage applications (a paid service)
• Hotel bookings (a paid service)
• Railroad traffic report
• Weekend movie-ticket sales