Economic Indicators Predict Continued Growth

New York, NY, Jan. 26, 2012 -- The index of leading economic indicators rose in December for a third month, indicating the U.S. economy will keep growing early this year, according to the Conference Board.

The research group's index of the outlook for the next three to six months increased 0.4% after climbing 0.2% in November.

Economists called for a gain of 0.7%.

Gains in manufacturing and consumer spending, the biggest part of the economy, are fueling the expansion.