The index of leading economic indicators didn't stay in the plus column very long at all, in fact for only one month at a revised 0.2 percent in February. March's 0.3 percent decline was unexpected and once again reflected the steeply inverted yield curve together with declines for building permits as well as consumer expectations. Yet the reversal isn't enough for the Conference Board to resume its doomsday forecast, saying instead the economic outlook is"fragile even if not recessionary". The report cites rising consumer debt, high interest rates and persistent inflationary pressures as negatives.

Edging 0.1 percent higher in February, the index of leading economic indicators emerged from two years unbroken decline. No change is the expectation for March.

The index of leading economic indicators is a composite of 10 forward-looking components including building permits, new factory orders, and unemployment claims. The report attempts to predict general economic conditions six months out.

Investors need to keep their fingers on the pulse of the economy because it dictates how various types of investments will perform. By tracking economic data such as the index of leading indicators, investors will know what the economic backdrop is for the various markets. The stock market likes to see healthy economic growth because that translates to higher corporate profits. The bond market prefers less rapid growth and is extremely sensitive to whether the economy is growing too quickly -- and causing potential inflationary pressures. The index of leading indicators is designed to predict turning points in the economy -- such as recessions and recoveries. More specifically, it was designed to lead the index of coincident indicators, also now published by The Conference Board. Investors like to see composite indexes because they tell an easy story, although they are not always as useful as they promise. The majority of the components of the leading indicators have been reported earlier in the month so that the composite index doesn't necessarily reveal new information about the economy. Bond investors tend to be less interested in this index than equity investors. Also, the non-financial media tends to give this index more press than it deserves.