The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. was unchanged in June, remaining at 95.3 (2004 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in May, and a 0.8 percent increase in April.

Says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board: "The U.S. LEI was flat in June. Declines in building permits, new orders and stock prices were offset by gains in consumer expectations, initial claims for unemployment insurance, and other financial indicators. However, the LEI's six-month growth rate remains positive, suggesting the economy will continue expanding through the end of the year."

Says Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board: "Some segments of the economy are turning around faster than others, resulting in positive but moderate growth. The biggest uncertainties remain the pace of business spending, the improvements in consumer spending power and the impact of slower global growth on U.S. exports."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in June to 105.9 (2004 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in May, and a 0.2 percent increase in April.

The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index® (LAG) for the U.S. increased 0.3 percent in June to 119.0 (2004 = 100), following a 0.4 percent increase in May, and a 0.2 percent increase in April.