The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) increased by 0.3 percent in January to 99.5. The index compares each year to the year it began, which was 2004.
"The increase in the leading economic index reflects an economy that is expanding moderately, although the pace is somewhat held back by persistent and severe inclement weather in most parts of the country," said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board. "If the economy is going to move on to a faster track in 2014 compared to last year, consumer demand and especially investment will need to pick up significantly from their current trends."
Other index readings include the Coincident Economic Index, which stands at 108.1 percent (2004 = 100 percent). The Lagging Economic Index is 121.6, following a .3 percent increase in January.
According to a recent article by Career Builder, for most companies the recession is still not over. Some of the challenges facing staffing departments in particular are retaining top talent, keeping morale high and providing competitive compensation.
Stagnant or declining human capital is a problem many employers are facing, according to the article. One solution to this is hiring temporary workers. Contract workers can be highly talented, and staffing companies offer flexibility with how many temps a business wants to retain for a given time.
