Leading indicators (
average weekly hours, new orders,
consumer expectations, building
permits, stock prices, etc.) are those that consistently turn before the economy does.
Some of the leading indicators include
average manufacturing workweek, initial claims for unemployment insurance, orders for
consumer goods and material, percentage of companies reporting slower deliveries, change in manufacturers» unfilled orders for durable goods, plant and equipment orders, new building
permits, index of
consumer expectations, change in material prices, prices of stocks, change in money supply.