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An index of leading economic indicators rose 1% in September, marking the sixth straight increase, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.

Initial jobless claims climbed last week, the Labor Department said Thursday.

Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. said Thursday that Douglas Oberhelman will become its chief executive officer in July 2010.

Ryder System said Thursday its third-quarter profit fell to $24 million, or 43 cents a share, from $70.2 million, or $1.24, a year earlier.

Old Dominion Freight Line said Thursday its third-quarter profit fell 55.1% to $10.5 million, or 28 cents per share, from $23.4 million, or 63 cents, a year ago.

Union Pacific Corp.’s third-quarter profit fell 26% to $517 million, or $1.02 per share, from $703 million, or $1.38, a year ago.

Truckload carrier Knight Transportation’s third-quarter profit fell to $13.1 million, or 16 cents a share, compared with $16 million, or 19 cents, a year ago.

Forward Air Corp. said late Wednesday its third-quarter profit fell to $3.8 million, or 13 cents per share, from $12.1 million, or 42 cents, a year ago.

Hub Group Inc. said late Wednesday its third-quarter net income fell to $9.8 million, or 26 cents a share, from $16.9 million, or 45 cents, a year ago.