|
Leading indicators up again
|
 |
May 4, 1999: 10:26 a.m. ET
Key index rises for sixth straight month; 'robust' expansion should continue
|
NEW YORK (CNNfn) - A leading indicator of future economic activity slowed somewhat during March but still maintained its forward momentum for the sixth consecutive month, boosting optimism that nation's economic expansion will continue into the summer months.
The Conference Board's leading economic indicators -- designed to predict future economic trends -- rose 0.1 percent in March, down from its 0.3 percent gain in February but in line with analysts' expectations.
Michael Boldin, director of business cycle research at the Conference Board, called the March gain typical of a single month and noted the index's 1.6 percent increase since September generated "a lot of confidence this expansion will continue at a robust pace."
Five of the 10 indicators tracked by the index rose during March, most significantly in the vender performance and stock price categories. Negative contributors were led by drops in building permits and consumer expectations.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
