ECRI Weekly Leading Index indicator down moderately but growth rate rises and continues to point to a relatively healthy economy ahead

The Weekly Leading Index (WLI) from the Economic Cycle Research Institute (ECRI) fell moderately (-0.71% vs. +1.33% last week) after rising sharply for two consecutive weeks, but the six-month smoothed growth rate rose moderately again (from +2.8% to +3.4%), to its highest level since mid-February, and is a modest distance above the flat line, suggesting that the economy might be picking up a little steam. The smoothed growth rate has been positive for 7 consecutive weeks. We haven't finished the soft landing yet, but we are in great shape, despite the weakness in the housing sector and the feverish hand-wringing of the pundits.

The WLI is now 19 weeks past its summer low and the six-month smoothed growth rate is now 17 weeks past its summer low. Although not signalling an outright boom, this is a fairly dramatic recovery from the somewhat dark times of August.

A WLI growth rate of zero (0.0) would indicate an economy that is running at a steady growth rate, neither accelerating nor decelerating. A WLI fluctuating in a range from +1.5% to -1.5% would seem to be a relatively stable "Goldilocks" economy. We're actually doing a little better than that now.

Although the WLI smoothed growth rate remains relatively modest and will likely remain so for the next few months, it isn't showing any signs of the kind of persistent and growing weakness (values more negative than -1.5% over a period of time) that would be seen in an economy that was slowing on its way into recession, but does look a lot like an economy moderating on its way to a relatively stable growth rate.

If I were looking at this one indicator alone, I would say that the Fed is succeeding at its goal of moderating the economy to a sustainable growth rate. Goldilocks might not be completely happy with the current state of the economy, but she should be. Ditto for NYU Professor Nouriel Roubini. Sorry Nouriel, but Professor Ben Bernanke has it right this time. Anyone expecting a recession or very weak economy next year will be disappointed.

I will offer the caveat that the Weekly Leading Index and its smoothed growth rate do not tell us how strong the economy will be six or nine months from now, but do tell us whether whether weakness or strength is more likely a few months from now. It works best to tell us whether a "gathering storm" might be lurking just around the corner, but presently indicates "clearing weather" for the next few months.

-- Jack Krupansky