In March and April, the WSU Leading Economic Indicators Index was as low as the Index has been since early 2004 and 17.7 percent below the peak of 127 in April 2008. It increased five of the six months ending in April 2010. However, the 5.2 percent decline in March negated the 3.1 percent increase of those five months.
Only four of the nine indicators that compose the Index declined in April. Hours worked in manufacturing declined 0.9 percent, the inflation-adjusted price of wheat decreased 6.7 percent, The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Indicator Index declined 0.1 Index point and the number of Kansas initial unemployment claims increased 7.4 percent.
To read the Leading Indicator Index report in its entirety, click here.