The composite index of leading economic indicators rose 0.1% in March, the Conference Board reported yesterday.
LEI decreased an unrevised 0.3% in February.
The coincident index was up 0.1% after a revised 0.2% drop in February, originally reported as unchanged, while the lagging index was up 0.3% after a revised 0.3% gain in February, originally reported as a 0.2% increase.
The LEI stands at 102.0, the coincident index is 107.1, and the lagging index is at 111.6.
Economists polled by IFR Markets predicted LEI would be up 0.2% in the month.
“The leading index turned up slightly in March, the first increase after five consecutive monthly declines” according to Conference Board labor economist Ken Goldstein. “While latest data do not support the assertion that we’re in a recession, growth remains weak, a situation that may continue into the third and fourth quarters. There’s been no job growth over the past three months, and overall profits have declined. Whatever is ahead — whether it’s weak or growth — it certainly is a tough environment, and it could get worse.”
