Leading-Indicator Index Swings Back To Plus, as Slow Growth Trajectory Continues

The index of leading economic indicators rose 0.6 percent last month, mostly thanks to positive contributions from the housing and financial sectors, according to a Conference Board report released Oct. 18.

The business research group’s measure of future economic activity climbed to a reading of 95.9 in September, trending away from a 0.4 percent decline in August and back toward the 0.4 percent gain in July. The increase also topped the consensus forecast for growth of 0.2 percent following the August decrease, which was revised lower from an originally reported 0.1 percent decline.

The leading economic index is signaling an ...