The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in March to 121.4 (2010 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in February, and a 0.2 percent increase in January. “Although the leading economic index still points to a moderate expansion in economic activity, its slowing growth rate over recent months suggests weaker growth may be ahead,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, Economist at The Conference Board. “Building permits was the weakest component this month, but average working hours and manufacturing new orders have also slowed the LEI’s growth over the last six months.” The ... (full story)