The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. fell 0.1% in August 2026 to 99.5, following a 0.2% increase in July and marking its first monthly decline since March. The six-month change through August was -0.1%, an improvement from the 0.6% decline recorded over the previous six months. Four of the LEI’s 10 components declined, with consumer expectations remaining a significant drag and building permits falling across nearly all regions and both single- and multi-unit categories. The Conference Board said the economy is still expanding but growth is expected to slow, forecasting real GDP growth of 1.9% in 2026 and revising its 2027 outlook down to 1.8% from 1.9%. The Coincident Economic Index rose 0.1% to 114.9 in August, with all four components contributing positively, while the Lagging Economic Index increased 0.2% to 120.6. The next release is scheduled for Oct. 22, 2026.