Conference Board Leading Economic Index

During the third week of each month The Conference Board publishes a composite index of the following ten economic leading indicators.

1. Average weekly hours, manufacturing
2. Average weekly initial claims for unemployment insurance
3. Manufacturers' new orders, consumer goods and materials
4. Index of supplier deliveries – vendor performance
5. Manufacturers' new orders, nondefense capital goods
6. Building permits, new private housing units
7. Stock prices, 500 common stocks
8. Money supply, M2
9. Interest rate spread, 10-year Treasury bonds less federal funds
10. Index of consumer expectations

This composite indicator was created in an attempt forecast future economic activity. The components of this index have historically turned down before recessions and up before an expansion.