The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) decreased to –0.18 in May from +0.03 in April, and the relative MEI declined to –0.51 in May from –0.10 in April. May’s value for the relative MEI indicates that Midwest economic growth was moderately lower than would typically be suggested by the growth rate of the national economy. Estimates of annual growth in gross state product for the five Seventh District states through the first quarter of 2013 will be summarized in next month’s release.