Updates On Economic Indicators December 2012

Here is an update on various indicators that are supposed to predict and/or depict economic activity.  These indicators have been discussed in previous blog posts:

The December Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI)(pdf) updated as of December 21, 2012:

cfnai_monthly_MA3 12-21-12

The ECRI WLI (Weekly Leading Index):

As of 12/21/12 (incorporating data through 12/14/12) the WLI was at 127.2 and the WLI, Gr. was at 4.6%.

A chart of the WLI, Gr. since 2000, from Doug Short’s blog of December 21 titled “ECRI Weekly Leading Index:  The Recession Call Is Further Undermined” :

Dshort 12-21-12 ECRI-WLI-growth-since-2000 4.6

The Aruoba-Diebold-Scotti Business Conditions (ADS) Index:

Here is the latest chart, depicting 12-15-10 to 12-15-12:

ads_2yrs_12-15-10 - 12-15-12

The Conference Board Leading (LEI) and Coincident (CEI) Economic Indexes:

As per the December 20 press release, the LEI was at 95.8 and the CEI was at 104.9 in November.

An excerpt from the December 20 release:

Says Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board: “The indicators reflect an economy that remains weak in the face of strong domestic and international headwinds, as it faces a looming fiscal cliff. Growth will likely be slow through the early months of 2013.”

Here is a chart of the LEI from Doug Short’s blog post of December 20 titled “Conference Board Leading Economic Index:  Six-Month Growth at Zero” :

Dshort 12-20-12 CB-LEI

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I post various indicators and indices because I believe they should be carefully monitored.  However, as those familiar with this blog are aware, I do not necessarily agree with what they depict or imply.

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The Special Note summarizes my overall thoughts about our economic situation

SPX at 1430.15 as this post is written