Leading Economic Indicators Index in U.S. Rises 0.7%

The index of U.S. leading indicators rose more than forecast in August, a sign the world’s largest economy is gaining strength.

The Conference Board’s gauge of the outlook for the next three to six months increased 0.7 percent after a revised 0.5 percent gain in July that was less than previously reported, the New York-based group said today. The median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a rise of 0.6 percent in August.