The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.6% in December to 107.0 (2016 = 100), following a 0.5% increase in November, and a 1.3% increase in October.
“The U.S. LEI continued rising rapidly in December, pointing to a continuation of strong economic growth in the first half of 2018. The passing of the tax plan is likely to provide even more tailwind to the current expansion,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of business cycles and growth research at The Conference Board. “The gains among the leading indicators have been widespread, with most of the strength concentrated in new orders in manufacturing, consumers’ outlook on the economy, improving stock markets and financial conditions.”
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.3% in December to 102.8 (2016 = 100), following a 0.1% increase in November, and a 0.4% increase in October.
The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index® (LAG) for the U.S. increased 0.7% in December to 104.0 (2016 = 100), following a 0.1% increase in November and a 0.3% increase in October.
