Leading Economic Indicators Rose 0.4%

The composite index of leading economic indicators rose 0.4% in December following a revised 0.2% gain in November, originally reported as a 0.5% increase, the Conference Board reported Thursday.

The coincident index grew 0.3% in December after an unrevised 0.1% gain in November, while the lagging index rose 0.3% after a 0.4% jump in November, originally reported as a 0.1% increase.

The LEI stands at 94.3, the coincident index is at 103.4 and the lagging index is at 113.4. The index has a baseline of 100, which reflects the level in 2004.

The annual benchmark revision was completed in January, resulting in a lower index level for LEI.

Economists predicted the index would be up 0.7% in the month.

“In December, the LEI for the U.S. increased again. The gain was widespread among the leading indicators, suggesting economic conditions should improve in early 2012,” according to the Conference Board economist Ataman Ozyildirim.

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