(05-17-19)
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in April to 112.1 (2016 = 100), following a 0.3 percent increase in March, and a 0.2 percent increase in February.
“The US LEI rose in April, the third consecutive increase, with a majority of the leading indicators making positive contributions,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, Director of Economic Research at The Conference Board. “Stock prices, financial conditions, and consumers’ outlook on the economy buoyed the US LEI, although the manufacturing sector showed continuing weakness. The Conference Board expects economic growth to moderate toward 2 percent by year end. The current expansion will enter its 11th year in July, becoming the longest expansion in US history.” “The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.1 percent in April to 105.7 (2016 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in March, and a 0.1 percent decline in February. The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index (LAG) for the U.S. declined 0.1 percent in April to 107.2 (2016 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in March and a 0.3 percent increase in February.
