Leading Economic Index® for U.S. Modestly Higher in September

The Conference Board, a non-partisan, not-for-profit think tank founded in 1916, released today (10-21-21) the Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. in September. According to the report, the LEI for the U.S. increased by 0.2% in September to 117.5 (2016 = 100). This follows a 0.8% increase in August and a 0.9% increase in July.

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the U.S. remained unchanged in September at 105.8 (2016 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in August and a 0.6 percent increase in July.

The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index® (LAG) for the U.S. increased by 0.3 percent in September to 106.5 (2016 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in August and a 0.4 percent increase in July.

In remarks prepared for the release of the September LEI, Ataman Ozyildirim, Senior Director of Economic Research at The Conference Board, said, “The U.S. LEI rose again in September, though at a slower rate, suggesting the economy remains on a more moderate growth trajectory compared to the first half of the year. The Delta variant, rising inflation fears, and supply chain disruptions are all creating headwinds for the US economy. Despite the LEI’s slower growth in recent months, the strengths among the components remain widespread. Indeed, The Conference Board continues to forecast strong growth ahead: 5.7 percent year-over-year for 2021 and 3.8 percent for 2022.”