The U.S. economy displayed signs of weakness last month, according to a leading economic indicator, but experts pointed to a more positive outlook in 2025, citing factors such as deregulation, improvements in trade, and immigration reforms.
The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) fell by 0.1 percent in December 2024 after a 0.4 percent jump in the previous month, a Jan. 22 statement from the think tank said. LEI provides an early indication of where the economy is heading over the near term. The index fell by 1.7 percent during the first half of 2024 and declined by 1.3 percent over the second half.
Conference Board senior manager Justyna Zabinska-La Monica said the December 2024 readings show the index failed to sustain the jump seen in November 2024. At the time, the gauge had risen for the first time since February 2022….