U.S. LEADING INDEX UP SLIGHTLY AFTER FIVE CONSECUTIVE MONTHLY DECLINES
The U.S. leading index rose 1 percent in March following five straight months of declines, due largely to the ongoing credit crisis and a slumping housing market, according to the latest data released by the Conference Board Tuesday.
Vendor performance and favorable interest rates were positive forces on the index in March, offsetting the negative impact of higher unemployment claims, sagging building permits, and stock price data.
