Composite Index of Lagging Indicators
An index published monthly by the Conference Board that is used to confirm the direction of the economy's movements in past months. The index is made up of the following seven economic components, whose changes tend to come after changes in the overall economy:
1. the value of outstanding commercial and industrial loans
2. the change in the consumer price index for services from the previous month
3. the change in labor cost per unit of labor output
4. the ratio of manufacturing and trade inventories to sales made
5. the ratio of consumer credit outstanding to personal income
6. the average prime rate charged by banks
7. the inverted average length of employment
Investopedia Commentary
As it measures the economic activities of previous months, the Composite Index of Lagging Indicators is used as an after-the-fact way to help confirm economists' assessment of current economic conditions. For this purpose the Composite Index of Lagging Indicators is best used together with the Composite Index of Coincident Indicators and Composite Index of Leading Indicators.
Related Links
A Guide To Conference Board Indicators
Economic Indicators to Know
See also: Business Cycle, Business Cycle Indicators - BCI, Central Bank, Composite Index of Coincident Indicators, Composite Index of Leading Indicators, Consumer Confidence Index - CCI, Consumer Price Index, Lagging Indicator