Leading Economic Indicators Fell Again in March

New York, NY, April 20, 2009--The Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators fell more than expected in March.

The group says its monthly forecast of economic activity fell 0.3 percent in March and has not risen in nine months. Economists expected a 0.2 percent decline.

The index is designed to forecast economic activity in the next three to six months based on 10 components, such as stock prices, the money supply, jobless claims, new orders by manufacturers and building permits.

The index for February was better than previously reported, falling 0.2 percent instead of 0.4 percent. But it was revised lower in January to a 0.2 percent decline, instead of a 0.1 percent increase.