The [B]Westpac Leading Index[/B] fell for the sixth consecutive month in February to bring the annual pace of decline to -5.1%, the worst since 1982. Westpac chief economist Bill Evans said the rate of contraction is “truly remarkable”, adding that the index signals “the Australian economy will enter a recession.” Although the Reserve Bank of Australia has signaled it is done cutting interest rates, Evans said the decision to hold off on easing now is likely a tactical one given the confidence boost typically seen after such actions: “We expect the bank will see the need to have ample capacity to be cutting rates through the second half of 2009…The economic case for cutting rates is undeniable.”