New York, NY, June 20--The Conference Board reports today that the Composite Index of Leading Economic Indicators declined 0.5% in May, following no change in April, and a 0.6% decline in March.
Says Ken Goldstein, The Conference Board's Labor Economist: "The Coincident Index rose modestly through May, but the Leading Economic Indicators are suggesting slower growth setting in during the third quarter. This is not just a domestic phenomenon. Declines or slower increases appear in at least six of the eight countries for which The Conference Board calculates leading indexes. Energy prices are one factor driving this global trend. Of more concern is the level of confidence of both consumers and chief executives, which has been choppy."
The Conference Board also reports that the Coincident Index increased 0.2% in May, following a 0.2% increase in April, and no change in March. The Lagging Index increased 0.3% in May, following a 0.1% rise in April, and a 0.2% decline in March.
