WSU Leading Index Remains Strong

In August, the WSU Leading Economic Indicators Index rose 1.7 percent from July. An increase in the real value of Wichita’s building permits, both residential and nonresidential, had a favorable impact on the August Index. Other indicators showing improvement were the inflation-adjusted value of new orders for aircraft and parts in the nation, which increased 23.8 percent, and the number of initial unemployment claims in Kansas, which decreased 26.7 percent. Only two of the nine Index indicators declined from July to August: national consumer confidence decreased 14.7 Index points and the inflation-adjusted value of aerospace stock prices decreased 17.5 percent.

Read the August Index report in its entirety.