Updates On Economic Indicators April 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 April Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI)(pdf) updated as of April 26, 2012:

The USA TODAY/IHS Global Insight Economic Outlook Index:

An excerpt from the March 22 update titled “Index forecasts weaker growth” :

The February update of the USA TODAY/IHS Global Insight Economic Outlook Index shows real GDP growth, at a six-month annualized growth rate, increasing to 2.5% in March and April and then slowing to 2.1% in July. While employment, housing (mostly the multifamily sector) and consumer spending are slowly recovering, concerns about the Eurozone and world growth continue.

The ECRI WLI (Weekly Leading Index):

As of 4/20/12 the WLI was at 123.9 and the WLI, Gr. was at 1.2%.

A chart of the WLI, Gr. since 2000, from Doug Short’s blog of April 20 titled “ECRI Weekly Leading Indicator:  The Growth Index Slips” :

The Dow Jones ESI (Economic Sentiment Indicator):

no current value available

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

Here is the latest chart, depicting 4-21-10 to 4-21-12:

 

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

As per the April 19 release, the LEI was at 95.7 and the CEI was at 104.2 in March.

An excerpt from the April 19 release:

Says Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board: “Despite relatively weak data on jobs, home building and output in the past month or two, the indicators signal continued economic momentum. We expect a gradual improvement in growth past the summer months.”

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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 1399.98 as this post is written