The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.6 percent in September to 95.9 (2004 = 100), following a 0.4 percent decline in August, and a 0.4 percent increase in July.

Says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board: "The U.S. LEI increased in September, more than offsetting the decline in August. The LEI has been signaling an economy that is fluctuating around a slow growth trend. The six-month growth rate has slowed substantially, but still remains in growth territory due to positive contributions from the housing and financial components. Meanwhile, the coincident economic index also increased in September."

Says Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board: "The single biggest challenge remains weak demand, domestically and globally. The struggle to regain firmer ground – in financial markets, international trade and global industrial output – continues because of weak consumer demand and a lack of more robust business investment."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in September to 105.1 (2004 = 100), following no change in August, and a 0.6 percent increase in July.

The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index (LAG) increased 0.1 percent in September to 116.8 (2004 = 100), following a 0.3 percent increase in August, and a 0.3 percent increase in July.