Leading Indicators Rise for Sixth Straight Month

Washington, DC, Oct. 23, 2009--U.S. leading economic indicators rose 1% in September, the sixth straight increase and a strong signal that a "recovery is developing," the Conference Board reported Thursday.

Eight of the 10 indicators were positive in September, the private research group said.

Over the past six months, the index of leading indicator has risen 5.7%, the fastest increase since 1983. Nine of the 10 indicators have risen over the past six months.

The index of coincident indicators was flat in September after two small increases in July and August, suggesting "the recession is bottoming out," the report said.

"These numbers strongly suggest that a recovery is developing," said Ken Goldstein, an economist for the research organization. "However, the intensity of that recovery will depend on how much, and how soon, demand picks up."

The leading index for August was revised down to a 0.4% gain from 0.6% earlier. The index is revised as more complete data are available. In order to be timely, the Conference Board initially estimates three of the indicators, which have not yet been released.

Economists expected the index to rise 0.8%.

In September, eight of the 10 indicators were positive.