Statistical Indicators

How far out do statistical indicators have to be before they become 100% worthless? An example would be:

The Index of Leading Economic Indicators fell 0.2% in Dec., the 3rd straight monthly drop. Year over year, the LEI sank 1.4%, the worst drop since the ’01 recession. Also, ECRI’s leading U.S. index rose for a 2nd week. The annualized growth rate edged off a 6-year low to -6.7%, but is still at recessionary levels.

-From the Jan 22nd IBD

Leading Economic Indicators? I gotta look into that.