Leading Economic Indicators Show Solid Growth Continues

Non-accelerating but still solid growth is the signal from the index of leading economic indicators which rose 0.2 percent in May. Most of the index's 10 components are positive led once again by ISM new orders and by what are still low short-term interest rates. The slowing comes from building permits which have been mixed, factory hours which outside of May have been strong, and also jobless claims which, though edging higher compared to April, posted some of their best levels on record during the month.