The WSU Leading Economic Indicators Index has been volatile over the 13 months ending in October, with a total decline of 1.7 percent during that time period. However, with October growth of 1.2 percent, the Index experienced its largest month-to-month growth since August 2011. Only one of the nine Index indicators experienced deterioration from September to October – the inflation-adjusted national value of new orders for aircraft and parts, which decreased 5.2 percent. The inflation-adjusted value of nonresidential building permits in Wichita increased nearly seven-fold from September to October. Other good news included a 19.9 percent drop in Kansas' initial unemployment claims and a 3.8 percentage point increase in consumer confidence.
Read the October Leading Index report.