“Leading indicators surge in January, point to steady economic expansion in early 2020”
February 20, 2020
“The numbers: The economy showed some more sizzle at the start of 2020, pointing to steady growth in the next several months, according to an index that measures the nation’s economic health.
The leading economic index jumped 0.8% in January, the Conference Board said Thursday, increasing twice as much as Wall Street predicted.
What happened: The leading index got the biggest boost from rising permits to build new homes. They hit a 13-year high last month as builders move to step up construction as falling interest rates stoke more demand.
Declining applications for unemployment benefits, higher consumer confidence, record stock prices and cheaper credit also added to the surge in the index…”