(06-20-19)
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. was unchanged in May, remaining at 111.8 (2016 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in April, and a 0.2 percent increase in March. “The US LEI was unchanged in May, following three consecutive increases,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, Director of Economic Research at The Conference Board. “Positive contributions from financial conditions and consumers’ outlook offset the weakness in stock prices and the manufacturing sector. The yield spread’s contribution to the LEI was neither positive nor negative. While the economic expansion is now entering its eleventh year, the longest in US history, the LEI clearly points to a moderation in growth towards 2 percent by year end.” The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in May to 105.9 (2016 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in April, and a 0.1 percent increase in March. The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index (LAG) for the U.S. declined 0.2 percent in May to 107.0 (2016 = 100), following a 0.1 percent decline in April and a 0.2 percent increase in March.
