The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the Euro Area increased 0.1 percent in April and now stands at 106.5 (2004=100), after decreasing 0.2 percent in both March and February.

"The LEI increased modestly after two months of declines, indicating that the Euro Area's economic environment remains sluggish," says Bert Colijn , Economist for Europe at The Conference Board. "Confidence among businesses and consumers continues to be weak, with unemployment continuing to increase while investments are not picking up. The service sector, however, is a bright spot with business expectations having improved in five out of the past six months."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the Euro Area, which measures current economic activity, decreased 0.1 percent in April, according to preliminary estimates. The index now stands at 101.0 (2004 = 100)*. The CEI was unchanged in March and decreased 0.1 percent in February.