The super-index of the US economy continues to grow, registering the fifth consecutive monthly increase in June. The index, compiled by the private research group Conference Board, showed growth of 0,3% in June to 102,2 points, still less than the 0,5% expected by analysts. In May, the figure had grown by 0,7% (revised upwards from 0,5% in the first estimate).
According to Conference Board economist Ataman Ozyildirim, "The broad-based increase over the past six months signals that the economy is growing in the near term and could accelerate in the second half of the year," although some indicators still point to relative weakness.
Among the components of the index, that relating to the current situation showed growth of 0,2%, while that on future expectations jumped ahead by 0,5%.
At the same time, however, the confidence of US consumers is declining. The relative data reported by the University of Michigan, in fact, marks a drop from 82,5 points in June to 81,3 in July, against analysts' expectations for an increase to 83 points.
The sub-index that measures confidence in the current conditions of the economy rose to 97,1 from 96,6 points against expectations for 97 points. The measure of confidence in future conditions fell for the third consecutive month to 71,1 from 73,5 points, 74 points below the consensus.
As for inflation, one-year expectations increased from 3,1% to 3,3%, while five-year expectations decreased to 2,6% from 2,9%.
