The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the U.S. decreased 0.2 percent in May to 123.7 (2010 = 100), following a 0.6 percent increase in April, and a 0.1 percent increase in March.

“The US LEI declined in May, primarily due to a sharp increase in initial claims for unemployment insurance. The growth rate of the LEI has moderated over the past year,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of business cycles and growth research at The Conference Board. “While the LEI suggests the economy will continue growing at a moderate pace in the near term, volatility in financial markets and a moderating outlook in labor markets could pose downside risks to growth.”

The Coincident Economic Index was unchanged in May at 113.5 (2010 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in April, and no change in March.

The Lagging Economic Index increased 0.3 percent in May to 121.9 (2010 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in April, and a 0.6 percent increase in March.