Leading economic indicators continue to rise, though less than expected

The Index of Leading Economic Indicators increased 0.3% in October -- its seventh straight monthly increase -- the Conference Board announced Thursday, providing more evidence that the U.S. economic recovery is progressing.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected the index to rise 0.4% in October. The index rose a revised 1.0% in September, 0.4% in August, and 1.0% in July. The LEI index now stands at 103.8. (Base year, 2004 =100.)