The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.8 percent in September to 104.4 (2004 = 100), following no change in August and a 1.1 percent increase in July.

"The LEI picked up in September, after no change in August, and the strengths among its components have been very widespread over the past six months,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board. “The outlook for improving employment and further income growth are expected to support the moderate expansion in the U.S economy for the remainder of the year."

The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) increased 0.4 percent in September to 110.2 (2004 = 100), and the Lagging Economic Index (LAG) increased 0.1 percent in September to 125.1 (2004 = 100).

"The financial markets are reflecting turmoil and unease, but the data on the leading indicators continue to suggest moderate growth in the short-term,” said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board. “Meanwhile, the weak advances in the housing market remain a bigger risk to the outlook than short-term financial gyrations."