The index of leading economic indicators in Japan, which is a gauge of the economy a few months ahead and is compiled using data such as job offers and consumer sentiment, was at 102.6 in May 2021, unrevised from the preliminary reading and compared with a final 103.8 a month earlier, which was the highest level since February 2014. The decline highlighted a moderation in economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic following a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections in several parts of the country.