The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.6 percent in April to 95.0 (2004 = 100), following a 0.2 percent decline in March, and a 0.4 percent increase in February.

Says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board: "After a slight decline in March, the U.S. LEI rebounded in April, led by housing permits and the interest rate spread. Labor market conditions also contributed, although consumers' outlook on the economy remains weak. In general, the LEI points to a continuing economic expansion with some upside potential. Meanwhile, the CEI, a measure of current conditions, has returned to a slow growth path, despite declining industrial production in April."

Says Ken Goldstein , economist at The Conference Board: "The index is 3.5 percent higher (annualized) than six months ago, suggesting expansion. However, the biggest risk right now is the adverse impact of cuts in federal spending. The biggest positive factor is the potential for improvement in the recovering housing and labor markets. The biggest unknown is the resiliency in confidence, both consumer and business."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.1 percent in April to 105.6 (2004 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in March, and a 0.5 percent increase in February.

The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index (LAG) increased 0.1 percent in April to 118.4 (2004 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in March, and no change in February.