U.S. Leading Indicators Forecast Further Slowdown – WSJ
The U.S. economy is expected to slow further amid continued headwinds, while conflict in the Middle East further clouds the growth outlook, according to a basket of monthly economic indicators.
The Leading Economic Index, or LEI, published Thursday by research group The Conference Board, inched down by 0.1% to 97.5, after a 0.2% decline in December.
“The U.S. LEI fell further in January, as consumer expectations retreated again and building permits softened,” said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, senior manager at The Conference Board.
The reading signals continued headwinds to economic activity, though data showed improvement over the six-month period, she said.
The index fell 1.3% over the six months between July and January, compared with a 2.6% contraction over the previous six-month period, according to the report.
