By Patrick Thomas

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index declined in April, signaling slower economic growth.

The index, which provides a snapshot of national economic activity and inflation pressures, was -0.45 in April, down from 0.05 in March.

The March monthly index value was revised to 0.05 from an initial estimate of -0.15, and the February monthly index value was revised to -0.57 from last month's estimate of -0.31.

A value of zero for the monthly index is associated with the national economy expanding at its historical average. Positive values reflect above-average growth while negative values reflect below-average growth.

The index is comprised of a weighted basket of 85 indicators across four broad categories of the economy, which includes production and income; sales, orders and inventories; employment, unemployment and hours; and personal consumption and housing.

In all, 33 of the 85 indicators made positive contributions in April compared with 37 the previous month, while 52 declined.

The index's three-month moving average fell to -0.22 in April from March's -0.16 reading.

Write to Patrick Thomas at patrick.thomas@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 20, 2019 08:44 ET (12:44 GMT)