Over lengthy periods, Wall Street has a knack for making patient investors richer. But over shorter timelines, the ageless Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI), benchmark S 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC), and growth stock-fueled Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) are no more predictable than a coin flip.

Despite the uncertainties that accompany stocks over short periods, it doesn't stop investors from trying to gain a competitive edge in knowing which direction the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite will head next.

Even though no perfect economic data point or predictive indicator exists that can, with 100% accuracy, forecast what's next for the major stock indexes, there are a small number of these tools that have a historically strong track record of foreshadowing directional moves in the Dow, S 500, and Nasdaq. One such recession indicator, which is nearing uncharted territory, has a potentially grim warning to offer Wall Street and investors.

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Source Fool.com