The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.6 percent in November to 105.5 (2004 = 100), following a 0.6 increase in October, and a 0.8 percent increase in September.

“Widespread and persistent gains in the LEI point to strong underlying conditions in the U.S. economic expansion,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board. “The current situation, measured by the coincident economic index, has been improving steadily, with employment and industrial production making the largest contributions in November.”

The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) increased 0.4 percent in November to 110.7 (2004 = 100), and the Lagging Economic Index (LAG) increased 0.3 percent in November to 125.4 (2004 = 100).

“The increase in the LEI signals continued moderate growth through the winter season,” said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board. “The biggest challenge has been, and remains, more income growth. However, with labor market conditions tightening, we are seeing the first signs of wage growth starting to pick up.”