Leading economic indicators (LEI) are variables that:?

Yes, Option C is the right answer.

C. are useful for predicting economy’s near-term future state.

C-----------------------------------------------------

 I think the correct answer from my point of view is C 

Leading Indicators 

Hours of production workers in manufacturing

. New claims for unemployment insurance

Value of new orders for consumer goods

New orders for plant and equipment

Building permits for private houses

Change in commodity prices

Money growth rate (M2)