Series 79: A1.3.1. Leading Indicators

A1.3.1. Leading Indicators

Leading economic indicators are indicators that tend to change in advance of changes in the economy as a whole and that, therefore, have (or are believed to have) predictive value. When leading indicators show weakness, the economy may be heading for recession; when they improve, a recovery or expansion may be on the horizon. The main leading indicators include the following:

• The Department of Labor’s monthly employment report, including average hours worked per week

• Initial applications for unemployment

• New manu