The Conference Board News Release (04/19/12)

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the U.S. increased 0.3% in March to 95.7, following a 0.7% increase in February, and a 0.2% increase in January. Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at the Conference Board, says: “The LEI increased for the sixth consecutive month, pointing to a more positive outlook despite subdued consumer expectations and weakness in manufacturing new orders. Moreover, the six-month growth rate of the LEI continues to improve.”

Ken Goldstein, economist at the Conference Board, adds: “Despite relatively weak data on jobs, home building, and output in the past month or two, the indicators signal continued economic momentum. We expect a gradual improvement in growth past the summer months.”