Leading Economic Show Improvement in July

A gauge of future U.S. economic activity improved in July on a drop in new claims for jobless benefits and an increase in housing permits, although the reading still pointed to sluggish growth ahead. The Conference Board said on Friday its Leading Economic Index climbed 0.4% to 95.8, reversing a 0.4% decline in June. Analysts surveyed by Reuters had forecast the index would rise 0.2% in July. Fewer jobless claims last month was the biggest driver in the increase of the index, the Conference Board said. Also, building permits jumped during the month, which could point to more construction down the road. Continue reading this article

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