The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the U.S. increased 0.1 percent in May to 95.2 (2004 = 100), following a 0.8 percent increase in April and a 0.3 percent decline in March. The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in May, and The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index increased 0.3 percent.

“Despite month-to-month volatility, the LEI’s six-month growth rate remains steady, suggesting that conditions in the economy remain resilient. Widespread gains in the leading indicators over the last six months suggest there is some upside potential for economic activity in the second half of the year,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board.

“Growth will depend on continued improvement in the housing market and an easing of consumer and business caution which would allow overall consumption and investment to gain traction. Cutbacks in public spending programs and the drag from foreign trade remain headwinds,” said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board.

The Conference Board CEI for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in May to 105.6 (2004 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in April and a 0.1 percent increase in March.

The Conference Board LAG increased 0.3 percent in May to 118.6 (2004 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in April and a 0.3 percent increase in March.