The Conference Board’s leading economic index jumped 1% in January, the fourth straight gain and the biggest monthly rise in three months. Building permits and the financial subcomponents were the main drivers of the strong gain, the Conference Board said, as 8 of the 10 indicators were positive. “The leading indicators reflect an economy with widespread strengths coming from financial conditions, manufacturing, residential construction, and labor markets,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of business cycles and growth research. Though the stock market volatility came after January, it shouldn’t have a big impact, he added.
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