Leading indicators, March 2012

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The composite leading index rose 0.4% in March, following a 0.7% rise in February. This was the index's ninth consecutive monthly increase. Of the 10 components, 8 advanced.

The financial components remained positive in March, with both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the money supply increasing. The average workweek increased for the sixth straight month, while services employment resumed a year-long upward trend after stalling in February. The housing index recovered, as both existing home sales and starts rose. The United States leading indicator increased for the second month in a row, supported by its employment and financial components.

Manufacturing was mixed, with a gain in the ratio of shipments to inventories offset by a decline in new orders. Furniture and appliance sales posted a seventh consecutive monthly decline.

Table 1 
Leading indicators

Available without charge in CANSIM: table CANSIM table377-0003.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number survey number1601.

This release will be reprinted in the May 2012 issue of Canadian Economic Observer, Vol. 25, no. 5 (Catalogue number11-010-X, free). For more information on the economy, consult the Canadian Economic Observer.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Cyndi Bloskie (613-951-3634; ceo@statcan.gc.ca), Current Economic Analysis Group.