P207 CEEFAX 207  Sat  9 Apr  00:45/24
     
      LONGER LEADING       
      INDEX EDGES UP       
 
  The longer leading index of British 
  economic indicators rose bz 0.4% in 
  February.                           
                                      
  Calculated bz the CSO and djsignjd  
  to illustrate economic conditions   
  more than a year ahead, it rose to  
  105.4 (100 equals long-term trend). 
                                      
  The CSO said increases in the index 
  in the first two months of the year 
  were associated with an improvement 
  in business optimism.               
                                      
  The shorter leading index fell back 
  in February after rising steadily   
  since the final quarter of 1992.    
 
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