Conference Board Leading Economic Index
a.k.a. LEI
A monthly composite of ten US indicators designed to signal turning points in the economy before they happen.
In plain English
A monthly composite of ten US indicators designed to signal turning points in the economy before they happen.
The Leading Economic Index (LEI) blends ten forward-looking series, such as jobless claims, building permits, new orders, stock prices and the yield spread, into one number.
Several months of decline have often come before recessions, though it has also given false alarms. It is one of the best-known examples of leading indicators.
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