Leading Economic Index For UK Rises

ByJohn S. McClenahen The Conference Board's leading economic index for the UK rose 0.3% in May, not quite offsetting a 0.4% decline in March. The leading index now stands at 132.1 (1990=100). A result is a slowing in the growth rate of the index so far this year -- although the New York-based business research group says the index remains in the 3% to 5% annual growth rate range. "The leading index has been volatile from month to month, but its growth has stayed relatively widespread," observes the Conference Board.