WSU Leading Economic Indicators Index Is Gaining Strength

In May, the WSU Leading Economic Indicators Index reached 115.9, its highest value since the end of 2008. All except one of the Index indicators showed improvement when comparing the 12 months ending in May to the previous 12 months. Those showing the most improvement were the inflation-adjusted value of nonresidential building permits in Wichita, which more than doubled; the price of wheat, which increased 33.5 percent; the number of Kansas’ initial unemployment claims, which dropped 28.1 percent; and the national inflation-adjusted value of new orders for aircraft and parts, which increased 26.2 percent.

Read about the other indicators composing this Index.