NEW YORK -- A private-sector forecast of U.S. economic activity rose more than expected in June, the third straight monthly increase.
The New York-based Conference Board says its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.7 percent last month. Wall Street analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected a gain of 0.4 percent.
A rise in building permits and stock prices, and fewer people filing first-time jobless benefit claims, boosted last month's results.
The group also says activity in the six-month period through June rose 2 percent.
Conference Board economist Ken Goldstein says if these conditions continue, "expect a slow recovery this autumn."
The New York-based Conference Board says its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.7 percent last month. Wall Street analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected a gain of 0.4 percent.
A rise in building permits and stock prices, and fewer people filing first-time jobless benefit claims, boosted last month's results.
The group also says activity in the six-month period through June rose 2 percent.
Conference Board economist Ken Goldstein says if these conditions continue, "expect a slow recovery this autumn."