Leading Economic Index · LEI
Definition
A composite of ten forward-looking components (orders, claims, building permits, the yield curve, equities and more) designed to anticipate turning points.
Why investors care
A sustained decline in the LEI has historically preceded recessions, making it a watched (if imperfect) early-warning gauge.
What to watch
Most inputs are already public — the value is the single composite read on the cycle’s direction, not new data.