Leading Economic Indicators Rose in January

Washington, DC, Feb. 18, 2010--U.S. leading economic indicators rose 0.3% in January, according to the Conference Board.

Leading indicators have risen 10 straight months, spurred by an improvement in U.S. financial markets and a manufacturing upturn.

"This signals continued economic recovery at least through the spring," said Ken Goldstein, an economist for the board.

Economists expected an increase 0.2%.

In January, five of the 10 leading indicators improved: the interest-rate spread, delivery times, average hours worked in manufacturing, stock prices, and consumer expectations.

New orders for consumer goods were unchanged.

In the past six months, the leading indicators have risen 4.8%.