Leading Economic Indicators Rise for Fifth Month

An index of leading economic indicators rose 0.6% in August, marking the fifth straight increase, the New York-based Conference Board said Monday.

The increase followed a revised 0.9% increase in July that was higher than originally reported, the group said.

The August LEI index was projected to rise 0.7%, Bloomberg reported.

The LEI is closely watched by trucking companies because it forecasts business activity for the next three to six months.