The index has posted a robust 2.2% increase from July 2001 to January 2002, reported the Conference Board. This is the fourth consecutive month that the six-month growth rate of the leading index has improved.

The coincident-to-lagging ratio, which has historically led business cycles, is up for the fourth straight month in January. This indicates a likely economic recovery that could be even stronger than previously anticipated.

Publication date: 02/18/2002