Short-Term Outlook Looks Positive, but Downside Risks Exist
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in January to 121.1 (2010 = 100), following a 0.4 percent increase in December, and a 0.3 percent increase in November.
"The U.S. Leading Economic Index increased again in January, but its pace of growth has moderated in recent months," said Ataman Ozyildirim, Economist at The Conference Board. "While the LEI suggests a positive short-term outlook in 2015, the lack of strong momentum in residential construction, along with a weak outlook for new orders in manufacturing, poses a downside risk for the U.S. economy."
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in January to 111.6 (2010 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in December, and a 0.5 percent increase in November.
The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index® (LAG) for the U.S. increased 0.3 percent in January to 115.3 (2010 = 100), following a 0.3 percent increase in December, and a 0.3 percent increase in November.