The Conference Board's composite index of leading economic indicators is expected to remain steady in February. "The leading indicators are expected to be flat following a 0.2% M/M decline in February," said Piet Lammens, Economist at KBC Bank. "However, this apparent weakness shouldn't be too discomforting as it follows four months of surging leaders. On top of that it isn't a real strong market mover either." He stated. In January the index stood 2.6% from a year ago, the best pace since February of 2005. Already for March, the average level of initial claims was up slightly which should weigh on the index, while no change in average weekly hours in manufacturing should have no impact.