Index of Leading Economic Indicators inches up in May

Index of Leading Economic Indicators inches up in May
The Conference Board predicts a choppy summer for economic growth fueled, in part, by high gas prices. Getty/David Paul Morris
Index of Leading Economic Indicators inches up in May
The Conference Board predicts a choppy summer for economic growth fueled, in part, by high gas prices. Getty/David Paul Morris

Index of Leading Economic Indicators inches up in May

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The Conference Board says its index of leading economic indicators rebounded in May, rising 0.8 percent. May’s reading suggests the pace of growth is similar to that of the stronger readings from earlier this year and late 2010, when the economic outlook was brighter.

The Index suggests that the economy will grow modestly during the next few months, recovering from a late-spring slump. April’s index had dropped a revised 0.4 percent - the first decline since June 2010 as economic growth slowed.  A string of declines would indicate that a recession was coming.

Still, Conference Board economist Ken Goldstein cautions that economic growth will be “choppy” through summer and fall because of the weak housing market and high prices for food and gas.