Leading Economic Index Rises In July

The Conference Board said the U.S. leading index increased 0.1 percent, the coincident index increased 0.1 percent, and the lagging index increased 0.3 percent in July. The leading index increased slightly in July following a sharp increase in June, which keeps it on a slightly rising trend. The leading index increased rapidly through the first quarter of 2004, and although it continues to rise, its growth has slowed steadily through the first half of 2005. The leading index has been fluctuating around a 2 percent average growth rate since the end of 2004.

The leading index now stands at 138.2. Based on revised data, this index increased 1.2 percent in June and remained unchanged in May.