The Conference Board reported that its index leading economic indicators (LEI) for the U.S. increased by 0.5 percent in October to 111.3, following an 0.5 percent increase in September, and a 0.1 percent increase in August.

“The LEI remains on an upward trend, suggesting the modest economic expansion will continue in the near term. The LEI’s growth has been slowing this year, but gains in the financial components helped its pickup in October,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, an economist at The Conference Board:

Ken Goldstein, also an economist at The Conference Board, noted “the economy is slow, but latest data on the U.S. LEI suggest that change may be around the corner. Expect modest holiday sales, driven by steep discounting. But following a post-holiday lull, the indicators are suggesting a mild pickup this spring.”

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for the U.S. increased 0.1 percent in October to 101.5, following no change in September, and no change in August. The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index (LAG) increased 0.1 percent in October to 108.7, following a 0.5 percent increase in September, and a 0.1 percent increase in August.