Signals is the story of the world economy, told in the language of everyday objects and events - from magazine covers and grocery stores to military action. The rising price but shrinking size of a steak, a bar of chocolate and an apartment not only cause pain at home, they also propel some nations to deploy their militaries to secure resources and protect their citizens from higher prices. Malmgren argues that by being alert to the many signals around us, anyone can start to navigate the turbulent world economy instead of being overwhelmed by it.