The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for China increased 0.8 percent in February to 227.2 (2004 = 100), following a 1.5 percent increase in January and a 0.8 percent increase in December. Four of the six components contributed positively to the index in February.

Says Andrew Polk, Resident China Economist at The Conference Board in Beijing: "The LEI for China continued to increase through February, but the pace of the six-month growth rate remains slower than that reached in mid-2011. Hence while the economy continues to expand, it is unlikely to strengthen any further in the coming months. In particular, the momentum in consumer expectations slowed this month, and new loans remain distinctly subdued compared to last year."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for China, which measures current economic activity, increased 4.1 percent in February to 220.0 (2004 = 100), following a revised 2.0 percent decrease in January and a 1.0 percent increase in December. All five components contributed positively to the index in January.