US Leading Economic Indicators rose just shy of expectations for a 0.7% gain. The figure grew by 0.6% in August following an upwardly revised 0.9% for July. While the measure of economic outlook has grown for the fifth month, the August reading marks the lowest such increase, and could be a worrying sign should equities falter in September and consumer spending dims following government incentives in tax rebates and automotive stimulus. Specific components of the overall index showed a considerable rise of 0.35% in the pace of deliveries, while stock prices and the interest rate spread also rose better than three-tenths of a percent. Of particular note, M2 money supply fell at the fastest pace in three months while consumer expectations rose slightly for the first increase since May. Today’s report was largely in-line with expectations and caused minor fluctuation to market weakness and dollar strength visible since the early morning.
[B][B]Leading Indicators Index[/B][/B]
