A composite index of ten economic indicators that should lead overall economic activity. This indicator was initially compiled by the Commerce Department but is now compiled and produced by The Conference Board. It has been revised many times in the past 30 years - particularly when it has not done a good job of predicting turning points. Why Investors Care
| Released on 6/19/08 For May 2008 | ||||||||||||
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Highlights
The economy may be in a stall but it's not going backward according to the index of leading economic indicators which in May inched 0.1 percent higher for a second straight month. But financial markets were a plus for May's data, perhaps a weak link that will shift in June. Orders for both consumer and capital goods were marginal positives. The coincident index, which is closely watched by the National Bureau of Economic Research for indications on the business cycle, advanced 0.1 percent following to prior months of 0.1 percent decreases -- results that again point to flat conditions.
The Conference Board's index of leading indicators edged up 0.1 percent in April, the second straight 0.1 percent gain. The latest numbers suggest that the economy will show anemic growth ahead - near flat - more so than experiencing outright recession. The report's coincident indicator, closely watched by the National Bureau of Economic Research, showed no growth for a second month - also corroborating a flat economy but for the current quarter.
Leading indicators Consensus Forecast for May 08: 0.0 percent
Range: -0.1 to +0.2 percent
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