US economic indicators show August decline

The government's leading economic indicators declined in August for the first time in five months, and figures to be released this week show that August was the worst month so far of the recession, officials disclosed.

The direction of the composite index of leading and coincident indicators was disclosed in advance of publication to soften the impact of the news, a Commerce Department official said. The news comes at an awkward time for President Reagan , who in his broadcast to the nation Saturday berated Democrats for their criticism of his economic program. His attack was aimed at the Nov. 2 congressional elections.