Leading Index Slide Points to Heightened Risk of U.S. Recession in 2024
• Economic activity in the U.S. is set to weaken further, pointing to a recession in 2024 • The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index fell 0.1% in December, marking 21 months of steady decline • The index's slide indicates underlying weakness in the economy, especially in manufacturing and consumer spending • The index's declines have slowed in recent months, but still signal the risk of a recession ahead • Economists surveyed now see a 39% chance of a U.S. recession, down sharply from previous estimates