Leading Indicators Rise 0.4% in January

An index of leading economic indicators rose 0.4% in January, the largest increase since December 2006, the New York-based Conference Board said.

Economists had forecast a 0.1% increase, following the 0.3% rise originally reported for December, the group said.

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