The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for Korea increased 0.8 percent in September to 122.1 (2004 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in August, and a 1.2 percent decline in July.
At the same time, The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for Korea, a measure of current economic activity, fell 0.3 percent in September to 118.1 (2004 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in August, and a 0.5 percent increase in July.
The Conference Board LEI for Korea has increased in the last two months, and while its six-month growth still remains in slightly negative territory, it has eased compared to a month ago. Meanwhile, The CEI for Korea decreased in September, and its six-month growth rate remains negative although the rate of decline appears to be subsiding. Taken together, the recent increases in LEI, coupled with widespread strengths among its components, suggest that the rate of economic growth is likely to continue expanding at its current pace in the near term.