The U.S. economy displayed signs of weakness last month, according to a leading economic indicator, but experts pointed to a more positive outlook for 2025, citing factors such as deregulation, improvements in trade, and immigration reforms.
The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) fell by 0.1 percent in December 2024 after a 0.4 percent jump in the previous month, according to a Jan. 22 statement from the think tank. The LEI provides an early indication of where the economy is heading over the near term. The index fell by 1.7 percent during the first half of 2024 and declined by 1.3 percent over the second half.