Japan's Leading Economic Indicators Are Up Again

For the fifth consecutive month, the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators for Japan rose in October, the most recent month for which there are data. The index now stands at 100.1 (1990=100). Strength among the index's components has continued to be widespread recently, notes the New York-based business research group. "The recent improvement in the leading index suggests that the slowdown in economic growth in 2004 has ended, and economic growth is likely to continue in the near term."