The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) increased to another record high in September, yet last month’s growth of 0.2% missed economists’ expectations and was the second slowest reading since last year’s COVID-induced recession. While positive LEI readings point to further economic growth, the slowdown in the most recent reading could be an indication that growth will be cooler than expected in the months ahead. Even so, the LEI would need to begin declining and cross under its 18-month moving average before a recessionary warning flag is raised by this indicator.
Every American could feel the pain of Washington’s next showdown
CNN, 1/19/23