Recovery gains momentum with sixth straight increase in leading indicators

More evidence that the U.S. economy is on a GDP growth track: the Index of Leading Economic Indicators jumped 1.0 percent in September, The Conference Board announced Thursday -- its sixth straight monthly increase. Except for average workweek and building permits, all of the leading indicators contributed positively to the index in September.

Ken Goldstein, economist for The Conference Board, said in a statement, "The LEI has risen for six consecutive months and the coincident economic index has increased in two of the last three months. These numbers strongly suggest that a recovery is developing. However, the intensity of that recovery will depend on how much, and how soon, demand picks up."