U.S. Leading Economic Index Increased 0.6% in August

[SpartanDem]

Source: Bloomberg

Sept. 21 (Bloomberg) -- The index of U.S. leading economic indicators rose for the fifth straight month, capping the longest stretch of gains since 2004 and signaling a recovery is under way.

The Conference Board’s gauge of the economic outlook for the next three to six months rose 0.6 percent in August, in line with forecasts, after a 0.9 percent increase in July that was larger than previously estimated, according to data that the New York-based group released today.

The gains in stock prices, consumer confidence and homebuilding that are buoying the leading index bolster Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke’s view that the worst recession since the Great Depression has probably ended. At the same time, rising unemployment and tight credit are a reminder that a rebound will be slow and gradual.

The report “is another signal that economic growth is turning sharply positive this quarter,” said Dean Maki, chief U.S. economist at Barclays Capital Inc. in New York. “All of the elements for a robust recovery are falling into place. As we look ahead, job losses will end and the unemployment rate will stop rising, but we’re not there yet.”


Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aMec.qzAuEaE

[Jkid]

1. It does not change the fact that this is a jobless recovery.

n/t

[dmallind]

3. Nor does that change the fact that employment is a lagging indicator

The items listed are leading indicators.

Intuitively, which do you think should increase first?

[TheWatcher]

4. Once again, in an Economy based on DEBT and CONSUMPTION

Employment is a leading indicator.

[SergeStorms]

2. Bullshit

If they're using increasing stock prices as an indicator I call bullshit. Stock price increases are schizophrenic as hell, and have absolutely no basis in reality. As for consumer confidence....... :rofl: