The composite index of Leading Economic Indicators was up 0.2% in March following a revised 0.1% rise in February, first reported as a 0.2% gain, the Conference Board reported Friday.
The coincident index gained 0.1% in March after an unrevised 0.2% rise in February, while the lagging index grew 0.4% after an unrevised 0.3% rise in February.
The LEI stands at 121.4, the coincident index is at 112.0 and the lagging index is at 116.2 The LEI has a baseline of 100, which reflects the level in 2010.
"Although the leading economic index still points to a moderate expansion in economic activity, its slowing growth rate over recent months suggests weaker growth may be ahead," said Ataman Ozyildirim, an economist at The Conference Board. "Building permits was the weakest component this month, but average working hours and manufacturing new orders have also slowed the LEI's growth over the last six months."
