April 23, 2010

• The index of leading economic indicators recently posted the most significant gain since the recession ended. In March, the index increased 1.4 percent, marking the 12th consecutive month of improvement. Seven of the 10 components comprising the index contributed positively to the March reading, including initial unemployment claims, building permits and stock prices, up from six components in February. Strengthening of this index demonstrates the economic recovery is advancing and will broaden to include more sectors as the year progresses.