The leading indicators of growth in the economy ran at a slightly slower pace in December, but that's coming off record peaks.

The index of leading economic indicators declined in December, the Conference Board reported on Friday. It was the fourth decline in the past five months.

"The US LEI declined slightly in December, driven by large negative contributions from rising unemployment insurance claims and a drop in housing permits," said Ataman Ozyildirim, a senior economist at The Conference Board.