Monday, May 19, 2008

U.S. Leading index posts second small increase in a row

The Conference Board announced that their U.S. Leading index increased by 0.1% in April.  The leading index increased for the second month in a row after declining 5 months in a row.  Stock prices, the interest rate spread, and housing permits made large positive contributions that offset large declines in average weekly hours and consumer expectations.

Here are charts of 5 of the 10 components:






The interest spread made another positive contribution to the Leading Index, but as mentioned in last month's post, the spread normally widens during a recession.


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