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April US Leading Index Rises After Sharp March Decline

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The Conference Board's measure of leading indicators rose by 0.1% in April following a 0.6% decrease in March.

There were positive contributions from seven of the 10 components, led by higher stock prices and building permits. There were declines in the other three components, with a particularly large drop in consumer expectations for business conditions.

"Strong investment in AI infrastructure, data centers, and energy production likely will have a positive impact on growth and sustain business spending but may only partially offset weakness on the consumer side," said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, Senior Manager for Business Cycle Indicators. "Higher gasoline and energy costs -- paired with weak hiring -- will likely erode household purchasing power in the months ahead, particularly for lower- and middle-income consumers."

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