The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. rose 0.5 percent in February to 94.8 (2004 = 100), following a 0.5 percent increase in January, and a 0.4 percent increase in December.

Says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board: “This month’s increase in the U.S. LEI – the third consecutive – was widespread and driven by a majority of its components. Even though consumer expectations and manufacturing new orders remain weak, the economy continues to expand slowly, and may be developing some resilience against headwinds from, for example, federal spending cuts due to improving residential construction and labor market conditions. Meanwhile, the U.S. CEI posted a small gain following January’s sharp drop due to a decline in personal income.”

Says Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board: “The U.S. economy is growing slowly now, and with this reading increases hope that it may pick up some momentum in the second half of the year. However, this latest report does not yet capture the recent effects of sequestration, which could dampen the pickup in GDP.”

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in February to 105.1 (2004 = 100), following a 1.0 percent decline in January, and a 0.9 percent increase in December.

The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index (LAG) increased 0.1 percent in February to 118.0 (2004 = 100), following a 1.6 percent increase in January, and no change in December.