Germany's Leading Index Increases

ByJohn S. McClenahen Following two consecutive months of decline, the index of leading economic indicators for Germany increased 0.3% in September, says the New York-based Conference Board, a business research group. Germany's leading index was 102.5 (1990=100) in September, the most recent month for which data are available. "The growth rate of the leading index has been in the 0% to 1% range (annual rate) in recent months, a slight improvement from declines earlier this year, but still well below the 4% to 5% growth rate in the second half of 2003," notes the Conference Board.