Although it may be too early to predict an acceleration in the rate of economic expansion, the improvement in both the leading economic index and the coincident economic index in Mexico over the last six months suggests that downside risks are diminishing, according to The Conference Board.

The Conference Board’s leading economic index for Mexico rose in April following four months of consecutive declines, the organization reported. The leading index rose 0.9 percent in April and now stands at 122.0 (2004=100). The leading index fell 0.1 percent in March and declined 0.6 percent in February.

The six-month change in the index through April remains negative, decreasing 1.3 percent, but the rate of decline is moderating. Additionally, the strengths among the leading indicators have been more widespread than the weaknesses in recent months.

The rate of growth in The Conference Board’s coincident economic index from Mexico continues to pick up. The CEI rose 1.3 percent in April and now stands at 123.6 (2004=100). Two of the three components that make up The Conference Board CEI for Mexico — the number of people employed and industrial production — increased in April, while retail sales declined.