Leading Indicators Rise Ninth Straight Month

New York, NY, Jan. 21, 2010--Leading U.S. economic indicators increased 1.1% in December, according to the Conference Board.

It was the ninth consecutive increase, which may suggest that the pace of improvement could pick up this spring.

"Economic conditions should continue to improve in the near term," the Conference Board said.

The rise in the index was more than the 0.7% increase expected by economists.

Eight of the 10 leading indicators improved in December, which points to "an economy in early recovery," said Ken Goldstein, an economist for the Conference Board.

In the past six months, the leading indicators have risen 5.2%, with eight of 10 indicators rising over that period.

In December, gains in the leading index were propelled by the interest-rate spread, building permits, jobless claims and stock prices. Consumer expectations, vendor performance, the real money supply and capital goods orders also improved.

The other two leading indicators - factory workweek and consumer goods orders - were steady in December.