Economic Buzz: China leading index drops 0.3% in May

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for China decreased by 0.3% in May 2025 to 148.9, after decreasing by 0.5% in April.

As a result, the LEI declined by 1.2% over the six-month period from November 2024 to May 2025, however the decline was smaller than the 1.6% contraction over the previous six-month period between May and November 2024.

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for China increased by 0.4% in May 2025 to 152.8 (2016=100), partially reversing the 0.8% decline in April.

Overall, the Index grew by 0.9% over the six-month period from November 2024 to May 2025, but significantly slower than the 3.0% growth over the previous six-month period (between May and November 2024).

The Leading Economic Index (LEI) provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading in the near term. The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) provides an indication of the current state of the economy.

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