The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index (LEI) declined 0.2% in June 2026, landing at 101.1. The drop marks the latest in a series of monthly contractions, but the pace of decline has slowed sharply compared to the end of last year.
The June reading
The index, which tracks a range of economic data to signal future activity, fell by two-tenths of a percentage point from May. At 101.1, the LEI remains above the 100 baseline but has been trending downward for several months.
A slower contraction
The rate of decline in the LEI has eased considerably since late 2025. While the index continues to contract, the slower pace suggests the downward pressure on the economy may be losing some of its force. The Conference Board did not provide a breakdown of the components in the June release.
What the index shows
The LEI is designed to anticipate turning points in the business cycle. A sustained decline often precedes a broader economic slowdown. The June data point to continued weakness, but the moderating pace leaves room for debate about the trajectory ahead.
