Leading Indicators Inched Up in February, Following Two Down Months

New York, NY, March 18, 2016—The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.1% in February to 123.2 (2010 = 100), following a 0.2% decline in January, and a 0.3% decline in December.

"The U.S. LEI increased slightly in February, after back-to-back monthly declines, but housing permits, stock prices, consumer expectations, and new orders remain sources of weakness," said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of business cycles and growth research at The Conference Board. "Although the LEI's six-month growth rate has moderated considerably in recent months, the outlook remains positive with little chance of a downturn in the near-term."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index for the U.S. increased 0.1% in February to 113.3 (2010 = 100), following a 0.3% increase in January, and a 0.2% increase in December.

The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index for the U.S. increased 0.4% in February to 120.4 (2010 = 100), following a 0.1% increase in October, and no change in December.