"The post-recession rebound is history. We don't foresee a double-dip, but we do expect growth to slow even more markedly, to a 1.6-percent annualized rate in the second half of the year. The expected drop in government spending will be compounded by continued weakness among consumers and business - signaled by both The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the United States and The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®. Such a slower pace is unlikely to sustain strong profit growth, and would also weigh on employment and wages."

About The Conference Board

The Conference Board is a global, independent business membership and research association working in the public interest. Our mission is unique: To provide the world's leading organizations with the practical knowledge they need to improve their performance and better serve society. The Conference Board is a non-advocacy, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States.