54231. Composite Indexes of Leading, Coincident, and Lagging Indicators: December 2001
- Publication Date:
- 12-2001
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- The Conference Board
- Abstract:
- The Conference Board announced today that the U.S. leading index increased by 1.2 percent, the coincident index increased by 0.1 percent, and the lagging index decreased by 0.1 percent in December.The increase in the leading index in December is the largest gain since February of 1996. With this month's gain, the leading index has increased for three consecutive months bringing the index level above the pre-recession peak.The leading index continues to be driven by the expansionary monetary policy initiatives of the Federal Reserve. This is further strengthened by a rebound in the employment and expectations components in recent months.The coincident index's gain this month is the first in five months. This, coupled with a robust leading index, indicates that the economy, barring any unexpected shock, is gathering momentum.
- Topic:
- Economics and Political Economy
- Political Geography:
- United States