The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the Euro Area increased 0.3 percent in May 2014 to 111.7 (2004=100), following a 0.2 percent decrease in April and 0.2 increase in March.
"May's moderate increase in the Leading Economic Index — alongside a slowdown in its six-month growth rate — suggest that the Euro Area will continue on the path of a very modest economic recovery," said Bert Colijn, Senior Economist at The Conference Board. "Service sector expectations and confidence only grew modestly in May, while the manufacturing PMI contributed negatively to the index."
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the Euro Area, which measures current economic activity, was unchanged in May, according to preliminary estimates. The index now stands at 101.5* (2004 = 100). The CEI increased 0.1 percent in April and was unchanged in March.