Historically, the LEI reaches peaks and troughs earlier than the underlying turns in the economy and is widely regarded as an important tool for forecasting and planning. The average work week and jobless claims provide insight into labor market conditions. Consumer goods orders and consumer expectations provide clues about future consumer spending. Vendor performance reflects the percentage of companies reporting slower deliveries. Contracts for new plant and equipment reflect business investment spending plans.
Building permits lead residential construction activity.
The interest rate spread does a nice job of predicting lending. Stock prices reflect consensus expectations about future earnings and overall business conditions. And changes in the money supply measure banking system liquidity. They say Patience is a virtue. The basic requirements of the Sunshine Law are that meetings of a board or commission be open to the public, reasonable notice of such meetings be given and minutes of the meeting be taken.