By Jessica Coacci
U.S. leading economic indicators fell in March, signaling slower growth ahead as higher oil prices and supply-chain tensions will likely place additional upward pressure on inflation and further reduce consumers' purchasing power, according to a basket of monthly economic indicators.
The Leading Economic Index, or LEI, published Thursday by research group The Conference Board, declined by 0.6% in March to 97.3. That reversed its 0.3% increase in February to 97.9.
"After rising in February, the US LEI pulled back sharply in March, as building permits declined and consumer expectations and stock prices weakened," said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, a senior manager at The Conference Board.
Overall, the LEI fell by 1% over the six months between September 2025 and March 2026, more than halving the rate of decline of its 2.1% contraction over the previous six-month period, the survey said.
The LEI is meant as a predictive index. It is based on 10 components, among them manufacturers' new orders, building permits for new private housing units, stock prices and consumer expectations, and aims to signal shifts in the business cycle.
The Conference Board released data for both February and March on Thursday due to delays tied to the U.S. federal government shutdown. The April report is scheduled for release on May 22.
Write to Jessica Coacci at jessica.coacci@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
04-30-26 1047ET
