The U.S. leading index increased 0.5 percent, the coincident index increased 0.3 percent and the lagging index was unchanged in January, according to a recent Conference Board report. January's 0.5 percent gain was the largest increase since October. The leading index has now increased at a 5.0 percent annual rate from its most recent low in March, and this growth has continued to be widespread, with the exception of the real money supply, which continued declining in January, according to the report.
The leading index now stands at 115.0 (1996=100). This index increased 0.2 percent in December and increased 0.3 percent in November. During the six-month span through January, the leading index increased 2.0 percent, with eight out of ten components advancing.
Posted by gandlwoods at March 6, 2004 07:45 AM