10:00am 10/21/02
US leading indicators fall 4th straight month By Rex Nutting
Economic indicators continue to forecast a weak recovery, the Conference Board said Monday. Its index of leading economic indicators fell 0.2% in September, the fourth straight decline. The coincident index was flat while the lagging index fell 0.6%. Five of the 10 leading indicators fell in September, led by stock prices and weekly jobless claims. Both indicators have improved so far in October. "Four consecutive declines in the leading economic indicators once again raises the question of a 'double dip,'" said Ken Goldstein, economist at the board. The six-month decline is 0.3%, far less than the 3.5% decline the board says signals a recession.
