Leading Economic Indicators Jump in September

Washington, DC, Oct. 18, 2012 — The Conference Board’s leading economic index jumped in September, surpassing analysts’ estimates.

The index rose 0.6% last month, rebounding after having declined a downwardly revised 0.4% in August. A prior estimate for August pegged the decline at 0.1%.

Economists had expected a September gain of 0.2% in the index.

The index is a weighted measure of 10 indicators designed to signal business-cycle peaks and valleys.

Six indicators made positive contributions, led by building permits. New orders for manufacturing had the worst reading.