the conference board publishes data on business cycle indicators​ (bci). the composite index of leading economic indicators is one of the three components of the bci. changes in leading economic indicators usually precede changes in gdp. some of the variables tracked by the index are listed below. i. the average weekly hours worked by manufacturing workers ii. the average number of initial applications for unemployment insurance iii. the amount of new orders for capital goods unrelated to defense iv. the amount of new building permits for residential buildings v. the​ s