Leading indicators, April 2012

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The composite leading indicator rose 0.3% in April, matching the increase in March. This was the 10th consecutive monthly increase. Of the 10 components, 7 advanced in the month.

The components related to household demand supported the increase in April, led by a rise in housing starts. Both furniture sales and sales of other durable goods posted a third monthly gain. The financial components remained positive, as did employment in services. The average workweek, however, declined after being flat in the two previous months. The United States leading indicator rose for the third straight month, supported by its financial components and building permits.

In manufacturing, new orders fell for the second month in a row, while the ratio of shipments to inventories was unchanged.

Note to readers

This is the final release of the composite leading indicator, which is being discontinued.

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 June 2012 issue of Canadian Economic Observer, Vol. 25, no. 6 (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.