The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for Australia decreased 0.2 percent in August to 128.9 (2004 = 100), following a 0.6 percent increase in July, and a 0.2 percent increase in June.
At the same time, The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for Australia, a measure of current economic activity, increased 0.2 percent in August to 125.3 (2004 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in July, and a 0.1 percent increase in June.
The Conference Board LEI for Australia decreased in August, for the fourth time this year, and as a result, its six-month growth rate has declined slightly into negative territory this month. Meanwhile, the six-month growth rate of the CEI for Australia has moderated in recent months, and is lower compared to six months ago. Taken together, the recent behavior of the composite indexes suggests that economic expansion should continue, but with the risk of slower pace in the near term.
