∙ U.S. Leading Indicators…Lead Downward in June

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”The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. declined 0.3 percent in June to 95.6 (2004 = 100), following a 0.4 percent increase in May, and a 0.1 percent decline in April. ”Says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board: ‘The U.S. LEI declined in two of the last six months, and its six-month growth rate has eased in the last three months. The strengths among the leading indicators have become less widespread as consumer expectations and manufacturing new orders offset gains in the financial, labor, and construction-related components….’ ”Says Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board: ‘The U.S. economy is growing very slowly…pointing to no strengthening over the next few months, as the economy continues to sail through strong headwinds domestically and internationally.’” Source: The Conference Board

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