Economic Health Improved in May

New York, NY, July 6, 2010--Two-thirds of U.S. counties became economically healthier in May, according to The Associated Press' monthly analysis of conditions around the country.

AP said the gains were due to more manufacturing jobs in the Midwest and fewer home foreclosures in the Sun Belt.

However, the improvement appeared to slow in May compared with April, AP said.

Economic stress declined month to month in 33 states in May, aided by lower unemployment. In April, by contrast, stress had eased in every state except two--and in 90% of the nation's 3,141 counties.

Bankruptcy rates around the nation also edged up in May.

Despite better conditions in May, more economists are scaling back their growth forecasts.