The U.S. leading economic index rose in April after a slight decline in March, The Conference Board reported today, suggesting continued economic expansion with some upside potential. The index increased 0.6 percent in April to a reading of 95.0 (2004 = 100). 

“The index is 3.5 percent higher (annualized) than six months ago, suggesting expansion,” said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board. “However, the biggest risk right now is the adverse impact of cuts in federal spending. The biggest positive factor is the potential for improvement in the recovering housing and labor markets. The biggest unknown is the resiliency in confidence, both consumer and business.”