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U.S. leading economic index increased 0.4%
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The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.4 percent in March to 114.1 (2004 = 100), following a 1.0 percent increase in February, and a 0.2 percent increase in January.
The U.S. LEI continued to increase in March, pointing to strengthening business conditions in the near term. The March increase was led by the interest rate spread and housing permits components, while consumer expectations dropped. The U.S. CEI, a monthly measure of current economic conditions, also continued to rise, led by gains in industrial production and employment.
The U.S. LEI continues to point to sustained economic growth through year end. Global disruptions, including unrest in the Middle East, rising oil prices and the Japan earthquake, may have some repercussions. However, it remains to be seen what the impact of these shocks will be on the United States and the broader global economy.
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in March to 102.9 (2004 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in February, and a 0.5 percent increase in January. The LEI continues to be at an all-time historical high while the CEI is still about 4.3 percent below its level at the beginning of the most recent recession.
The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index® (LAG) increased 0.4 percent in March to 108.3 (2004 = 100), following a 0.3 percent increase in February, and a 0.4 percent decrease in January.
Posted: April 21, 2011 Thursday 10:00 AM