The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the Euro Area increased 0.4 percent in December and now stands at 105.5 (2004=100), after increasing 0.6 percent in November and decreasing 0.2 percent in October.

"The Euro Area LEI increased moderately for a second month in a row, again with widespread gains among its components. This month's LEI increase was driven by improved consumer and business confidence," said Bert Colijn , Economist for Europe at The Conference Board. "The progress policy makers have made in recent months may be translating into a somewhat better economic outlook. However, current economic conditions, as measured by the CEI, remain weak because of falling employment and industrial production. Together with continuing austerity, high unemployment, and weak global demand, there is no prospect for a strong recovery in the Euro Area economy in the coming months."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the Euro Area, which measures current economic activity, decreased 0.1 percent in December, according to the preliminary estimation. The index now stands at 101.4 (2004 = 100)*. The CEI was unchanged in November and decreased 0.2 percent in October.