Leading Economic Indicators Rise for Sixth Month

An index of leading economic indicators rose 1% in September, marking the sixth straight increase, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.

The increase followed a revised 0.4% increase in August that was lower than originally reported, the group said.

The last six months mark the biggest six-month gain in the index in 26 years.

The September LEI index was projected to rise 0.8%, Bloomberg reported.

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