Leading Economic Indicators Fall for First Time in Seven Months

An index of leading economic indicators fell 0.1% in March, the first decline in seven months, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.

The drop followed a 0.5% increase in February. Economists had forecast a 0.1% rise in March, Bloomberg News reported.

The LEI is closely watched by trucking companies because it forecasts business activity for the next three to six months.