The Conference Board's U.S. leading economic index released today fell 0.1% in April after gaining 1.3% in March. It now stands at 109.3 (2004=100).

"These latest results suggest a recovery that will continue through the summer, although it could lose a little steam," said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board. "The U.S. LEI declined slightly for the first time in more than a year, and its six-month growth rate has moderated since December."