Leading Economic Indicators Gain 0.3%

An index of leading economic indicators improved for a tenth straight month in January, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.

The LEI rose 0.3%, following a revised 1.2% gain in December that was higher than originally reported, the group said. The past 10 months mark the longest series of gains since 2004.

The index was projected to rise 0.5%, Bloomberg reported.

The LEI is closely watched by trucking companies because it forecasts business activity for the next three to six months.