This week two companies had some very interesting things to say about their respective markets that have implications far beyond their individual niches.

First, AP Moller-Maersk, owner of the largest container shipping company in the world, said it saw, “massive deterioration,” in its business last quarter, even, “worse than in 2008.”

Next, Sotheby's most recent London art auction was held on Tuesday where the company saw sales fall by nearly 50% from the very same auction last year. Furthermore, the famed auction house is now seeing former buyers turn into forced sellers.

Investors should pay close attention to these two ominous warnings for one very simple reason: These companies have been very effective leading indicators for the both the global economy and the financial markets for quite a long time.

Art & Shipping stocks lead the economic cycle. Recent price action of Sotheby's & Maersk is similar to 2000 & 2008. pic.twitter.com/l9FyNPnilQ

— Cyril Castelli (@CyrilRcube) February 10, 2016