COMPOSITE INDEX OF LEADING INDICATORS

Broad-based index forecasting the direction of the economy’s movements in the coming months. Published by the Conference Board monthly, the index is comprised of 10 economic factors: Consumer Sentiment Index, S&P 500 stock index, spread between long-term and short-term interest rates, inflation-adjusted monetary supply, merchandise delivery speed to merchants, average initial unemployment applications, Manufacturing Weekly Labor Hours, Manufacturers' New Orders for Consumer Goods, New Orders for Capital Goods Excluding Defenses, and new building permits for residential buildings.