Leading Indicators Decline for 21st Straight Month, But Smallest Drop Yet Offers Hope for Economy
• Leading economic indicators fell 0.1% in December, the 21st monthly decline in a row
• This is the smallest decline since the losing streak began in March 2022
• The economy has continued expanding despite high inflation and rising interest rates
• Economists are split on likelihood of a recession in the near future
• Forecast expects GDP growth to turn negative in 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2024, but recover late in the year