leading indicator(n = noun.communication) - one of 11 indicators for different sections of the economy; used by the Department of Commerce to predict economic trends in the near future;
is a kind of index, index number, indicant, indicator

absorption indicator, acid-base indicator, flight indicator, fuel indicator, indicator, indicator lamp, leading, leading astray, leading edge, leading lady, leading light, leading man, leading off, leading question, leading rein, leading tone, oxidation-reduction indicator, speed indicator, torsion indicator, turn indicator