Leading Economic Index for the European Area Declined in March

Rising trade tensions ‘will likely lower euro area growth by dampening exports,’ said an official from the European Central Bank.

Members of the European Parliament take a vote during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on March 12, 2025. Frederick Florin / AFP via Getty Images

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) fell by 0.4 percent in March for the euro area, continuing the declining trend from the previous month, the think tank said in an April 17 statement.

The LEI offers an early indication of where the economy is headed in the near term. The March decline followed a 0.3 percent dip in February, indicating weakness in the European economy.