Despite the volatility in the stock markets and the weakness in housing construction metrics, the Leading Economic Index increased 0.6% in February, which marked the fifth consecutive month of gains for the index, according to the latest monthly Economic Outlook Update (February 2018 issue). While housing starts fell 7.0% (and are now down 4.0% from one year ago), existing-home sales increased 3.0% and are now up 1.1% from one year ago. Other highlights of note include consumer confidence climbing 6.5 points, to 130.8, the highest reading since November 2000. Likewise, consumer sentiment rose 4.0 points, to 99.7, the highest reading since 2004. There is a great deal more data in the issue that you are free to use in your valuation reports (with proper attribution). Don’t worry about the data being challenged in court—experts are allowed to quote from material similar experts normally use.