The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the Euro Area declined 0.2 percent to 111.9 (2004=100) in October, following a 0.1 percent increase in September and a 0.6 percent decrease in August.
"The Leading Economic Index for the Euro Area showed another decline in October as the European economy continues to struggle in accelerating growth. The volatility of stock prices and business expectations is a symptom of the fragile expansion of the Euro Area economy," said Bert Colijn, Senior Economist at The Conference Board. "The slight positive six-month growth rate of the LEI points to slow growth ahead."
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the Euro Area, which measures current economic activity, increased 0.2 percent in October, according to preliminary estimates. The index now stands at 101.8* (2004 = 100). The CEI decreased 0.1 percent in September and was unchanged in August.