Leading Economic Indicators Rose Sharply in April

New York, NY, May 21, 2009--The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index for the U.S. rose sharply in April, the first increase in seven months, and the strengths among its components exceeded the weaknesses for the first time in a year and a half.

Stock prices, the interest rate spread, consumer expectations, initial unemployment claims, the average workweek, and supplier deliveries all contributed positively to the index this month, more than offsetting the negative contributions from real money supply and building permits.

The six-month change in the index has risen to -0.6 percent (a -1.2 percent annual rate) in the period through April 2009, up from -2.4 percent (a -4.8 percent annual rate) from April to October 2008.

However, the weaknesses among the components have remained widespread over the past six-month period

Seven of the 10 indicators that make up The Conference Board LEI for the U.S. increased in April.

The Conference Board LEI for the U.S. now stands at 99.0 (2004=100).