The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the Euro Area increased 0.2 percent to 103.3 (2010=100) in December, following a 0.2 percent increase in November, and 0.1 percent decrease in October.
"The Euro Area Leading Economic Index continues to signal slow growth in the short-term outlook. The anticipation of quantitative easing and lower oil prices have resulted in more optimism reflected in improved stock prices, consumer confidence and new orders for manufacturing goods," says Bert Colijn, Senior Economist at The Conference Board. "However, the uncertainties surrounding the relationship of Greece with the rest of the Euro Area, the expected impact of quantitative easing, and the intensification of conflict in Ukraine continue to be sources of volatility for the outlook of growth in Europe."
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the Euro Area, which measures current economic activity, was unchanged in December, according to preliminary estimates. The index now stands at 99.9* (2010 = 100). The CEI increased 0.1 percent in November and increased 0.2 percent in October.
