Leading Indicators Index Unchanged: The government’s key...

Leading Indicators Index Unchanged: The government’s key barometer of economic vitality was flat in January, the Commerce Department reported. The index of leading indicators is designed to predict the economy’s performance in six to nine months. Seven of the 11 components that make up the leading index fell in January, led by lower manufacturers’ orders for consumer goods, a weaker money supply, reduced orders for plants and equipment, lower stock and commodity prices, falling consumer expectations and higher unemployment claims. Three components rose: building permits, the pace of vendor deliveries and manufacturers’ unfilled orders. One component, the average workweek, was unchanged.