NEW YORK--The Conference Board recently reported that the Composite Index of Leading Economic Indicators was flat in February, following a revised 0.8% rise in January, and 1.3% increase in December.

The coincident index rose 0.2 percent, while the lagging index fell 0.3% in February.

Despite flat month-to-month growth in February, the leading index is up 2.4% from its value in August 2001 and up 3.1% from February 2001.

The coincident-to-lagging ratio cycles is up for the fifth consecutive month in February.

The leading index now stands at 112.4. Based on revised data, this index increased 0.8% in January and increased 1.3% in December. During the six-month span through February, the leading index increased 2.4%, with seven of the ten components advancing.

The coincident index now stands at 115.6. During the six-month period through February, the coincident index decreased 0.4%.