The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) 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.

Says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board: "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."

Says Ken Goldstein, 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."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (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 Lagging Economic Index® (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.