Leading Indicators Increase in December

Washington, DC, Jan. 20, 2015 --  The composite index of Leading Economic Indicators was up 0.5% in December following a revised 0.4% rise in November, according to the Conference Board.

"December's gain in the LEI was driven by a majority of its components, suggesting the short-term outlook is getting brighter and the economy continues to build momentum," said Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board.

"Still, a lack of growth in residential construction and average weekly hours in manufacturing remains a concern. Current economic conditions measured by the coincident indicators show employment and income gains are helping to keep the U.S. economy on a solid expansionary path despite some weakness in industrial production."