Housing Market Still Grinding Upward

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for Mexico declined 1.3 percent in September to 123.8 (2004 = 100), following a 0.2 percent decline in August, and a 0.1 percent decline in July.

High degree of optimism on business prospects, but many firms still face significant challenges

The Randstad Manufacturing & Logistics Employee Confidence Index, a measure of overall confidence among U.S. workers in this sector, declined in the third quarter of 2014 after hitting an all-time high last quarter. The index dropped to 53.2 in Q3 2014, a 2.8 point decline from 56.0 in the second quarter of 2014. The quarterly survey, conducted by Harris Poll among 167 manufacturing and logistics workers on behalf of Randstad, also found workers' optimism around the strength in the economy, the number of available jobs and their own ability to find employment declined.

Upward Momentum Continues

Executives express modest confidence about economy, industry and own company

The CompTIA IT Industry Business Confidence Index for the fourth quarter of 2014 rebounded to reach its high point for the year, with all three Index components recording modest gains.

The Randstad Technologies Employee Confidence Index, a measure of overall confidence among technology workers, reached the highest level ever recorded in the Index's nine-year history, increasing from 58.7 in Q2 2014 to 61.7 this quarter. The study, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of talent and solutions provider Randstad Technologies, showed technology workers' confidence in the strength of the economy rebounded significantly this quarter, with nearly half (43%) believing the economy is getting stronger. In addition, the Randstad Macroeconomic Confidence Index, which measures employees' confidence in the overall strength of the economy, increased dramatically from 47.4 last quarter to 52.4 this quarter—the highest level among all other professions surveyed. The study was conducted in July, August and September of 2014 among 189 U.S. IT workers aged 18 and older.

More Workers Believe Economy and Job Market Are Getting Stronger, but Most Still Opting for Stability

Consumers Regain Confidence in Short-term Outlook

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had decreased in September, rebounded in October. The Index now stands at 94.5 (1985=100), up from 89.0 in September. The Present Situation Index edged up from 93.0 to 93.7, while the Expectations Index increased sharply to 95.0 from 86.4 in September.

Moderate Growth to Continue Through Year End

Housing Faces Upward Grind in 2015

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for Mexico declined 0.2 percent in August to 125.4 (2004 = 100), following no change in July, and a 1.8 percent increase in June.