U.S. Leading Economic Indicator Slips 0.1%

Aug. 17, 2006
The Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators for the U.S. edged down a tenth of a percent in July. The index now stands at 138.1 (1996=100). The closely watched index, which suggests the economy's direction during the next three to six ...

The Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators for the U.S. edged down a tenth of a percent in July. The index now stands at 138.1 (1996=100).

The closely watched index, which suggests the economy's direction during the next three to six months, has fallen for four of the past six months. The cooling U.S. housing sector has been a major factor, indicates the New York-based business research group.

The Conference Board data are consistent with U.S. Commerce Department data showing that inflation-adjusted GDP growth for the U.S. declined from an annual rate of 5.6% in the first quarter of 2006 to an annual rate of 2.5% in the second quarter.

"The behavior of the leading index so far suggests that slow to moderate economic growth should continue in the second half of the year," says the Conference Board.

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

3D Printing a More Efficient Factory Floor

Nov. 16, 2023
Today’s additive manufacturing platforms make it simple to print a wide range of high-performing industrial parts as soon as possible and right where you need them — unlocking...

The Ultimate Ecommerce Excellence Checklist

Oct. 2, 2023
Scaling ecommerce operations is no easy task when your business is moving fast. Assess your current ecommerce maturity level and set optimization priorities with this practical...

How to Build Zero-Cost On-Site Solar and Storage Projects

Nov. 25, 2023
The Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits, incentives, and financing that enable no-cost projects. In Enel’s eBook, discover the critical role that incentives play in your...

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!