The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for Australia rose by 0.2 per cent in July 2025 to 118.2 (2016=100), after rising by 0.1 per cent in June. Overall, the CEI grew by 0.7 per cent from January to July 2025; slightly more than half the 1.3 per cent increase over the previous six-month period.
Allen Li, associate economist at The Conference Board, said: “The LEI for Australia was unchanged in July after three consecutive months of increase. A rise in rural goods exports as well as mild positive contributions from most other components supported the Index. However, this was offset by a drop in building approvals, driven by a fall in apartment and multi-unit projects. There was also a softening in gross operating surplus in Q2, indicating volatility in certain sectors such as mining and commodities.
Australia’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) remained flat in July 2025, signalling a slowdown after modest gains earlier in the year, while the CEI rose 0.2 per cent, reflecting steady current growth.
Weakened building approvals and softening in mining contributed to the LEI stagnation.
Despite global trade risks, The Conference Board expects Australia’s economy to grow by 1.7 per cent in 2025.
“The annual growth rate of the Australia LEI consolidated in July after a strong recovery started in April, suggesting a mild cooling of recent positive economic momentum. However, while global trade tensions could affect external demand, the outlook for the Australian economy remains positive, with lower interest rates and moderate inflation. The Conference Board currently expects Australia’s real GDP to strengthen somewhat and overall to grow by 1.7 per cent in 2025.”
The LEI provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading in the near term. The CEI provides an indication of the current state of the economy.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)