more money supply, building permits, Stock values move Leading Indicators

Leading Indicators Edge Higher in April
Leading Indicators Edge Higher in April; Increase Slightly Lower Than Analysts' Forecasts

The Associated Press



NEW YORK May 20, 2004 — A private research group's closely watched indicator of future economic activity edged up in April, providing more evidence of a sustained recovery.

The Conference Board said Thursday its Composite Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose 0.1 percent in April, after a revised gain of 0.8 percent the previous month. The latest increase was slightly lower than the 0.2 percent rise forecast by analysts.<snip>

The index is tracked as a measure of the economy's direction during the coming six months. Of the 10 components making up the index, four increased last month, including the real money supply, building permits and stock prices.<snip>

The economic reading reported by the Conference Board Thursday means the leading index has risen 1.8 percent over the past six months (o.9 or half of that in last two months), and signals a likelihood of strong growth through the third quarter of this year.<snip>


www.conference-board.org


http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Business/ap20040520_710.html

I bet the pukes will use this as an excuse to push through more tax reduction....assholes.

REAL!

A half point Fed Funds rate increase in required under the usual "rules".

But if Greenspan does not trust the numbers and thinks someone is cooking the books, he will not raise rates.

Now the GOP does have yet another alternative - because the right wing controls the media, Greenspan could do nothing and leave rates alone, and then let his staff, the NY Times, etc. wordsmith an explanation for doing nothing - but flatulent emissions do not become bouquets because of the words used to describe the air - and one wonders when the media will stop throwing whatever is left of their reputation away?!