FX.co ★ US Leading Index Slightly Improves in December, Signals Ongoing but Easing Weakness

The US Leading Index showed a marginal improvement in December 2025, suggesting that forward-looking economic conditions remain weak but may be stabilizing. According to the latest update on 19 February 2026, the index registered a month‑over‑month change of -0.2%, compared with a -0.3% reading in November 2025.

On a month-over-month basis, the December figure reflects a slightly slower pace of decline than in the prior month, as the “Actual” reading measures the change in December relative to November, while the “Previous” reading captures November’s change versus October. Although the indicator remains in negative territory—indicating continued downside pressure on future economic activity—the modest improvement hints that the drag may be easing at the turn of the year.

Market participants and analysts typically monitor the US Leading Index as an early signal of shifts in the business cycle. The latest data suggest that while headwinds persist, the trajectory of leading indicators is becoming less negative than in prior months.