91ÊÓƵ

An index of leading economic indicators rose 0.3% in September, the third consecutive increase, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.

Economists had forecast a 0.3% gain, following the 0.1% revised increase in August, which was originally reported as 0.3%, the group said.

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