Seven of the 10 components that make up the leading indicators index were up in January, led by money supply, the average workweek and building permits.
But one trending indicator is up, way up: fake food.
In recent months boxcar orders, a leading industry indicator, are up, albeit slightly.
The major indicators were up in the morning after Mr. Bernanke testified to a Congressional committee but then fell sharply after the meeting minutes were disclosed.
10.10am GMT German economic sentiment at 34-month high The ZEW sentiment indicator index was up to 48.2 vs 31.5 in January, with current conditions index at 5.2 points vs 7.1 points in January.
"Some indicators are up, some are down," he said.
Leading indicators are up, and oil falls to $81 a barrel.
At the bellwether intersection of Powell and Market, indicators are up -- longer lines for cable cars, more people snapping photos or gathering around sidewalk performers, even a few more doomsday preachers.
Basically, said Jonathan Miller, president of Miller Samuel, "all the indicators are up," as low interest rates, a rebound on Wall Street and a growth of confidence in the economy prompted more New Yorkers to pour money into a dwindling supply of apartments.
The Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators was up 1.1% in November, the latest signal that the economy, while sluggish, is at least steadily improving.
