The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the Euro Area increased 0.7 percent to 104.7 (2010=100) in January, following a 0.3 percent increase in January, and a 0.4 percent increase in December.
"The Leading Economic Index continued to improve through February, registering its strongest monthly growth in about a year, which suggests that the current modest pace of growth in the Euro Area could strengthen somewhat over the coming months," said Bert Colijn, Senior Economist at The Conference Board. "Consumer, investor, and business confidence are on the mend and increased demand has led to stronger new orders for capital goods."
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the Euro Area, which measures current economic activity, was unchanged in February. The index now stands at 100.1* (2010 = 100). The CEI increased 0.1 percent in both January and December.
