Global supply chain issues causing shortages in everything from Christmas presents to labels for wine bottles to imported bev/al products are taking a toll, but consumers remained optimistic.
That’s according to the Conference Board Leading Economic Index which rose 0.2% in September, following a 0.8% increase in August and a 0.9% increase in July.
“The U.S. LEI rose again in September, though at a slower rate, suggesting the economy remains on a more moderate growth trajectory compared to the first half of the year,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economic research at The Conference Board. “The Delta variant, rising inflation fears, and supply chain disruptions are all creating headwinds for the US economy. Despite the LEI’s slower growth in recent months, the strengths among the components remain widespread. Indeed, The Conference Board continues to forecast strong growth ahead: 5.7 percent year-over-year for 2021 and 3.8 percent for 2022.”