Economic Indicators Up More Than Expected

New York, NY, Dec. 22, 2011 -- The index of U.S. leading economic indicators rose more than forecast in November, a sign that the U.S. economy will keep growing in early 2012.

The Conference Board’s measure of the outlook for the next three to six months rose 0.5% after a 0.9% October increase, the research group said today.

The median forecast of economists projected the gauge would advance 0.3%.

Gains in manufacturing and consumer spending, alongside improvements in the housing market, show the economy will likely hold up if Europe slides into a recession.