The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in September to 124.4 (2010 = 100), following a 0.2 percent decline in August, and a 0.5 percent increase in July.

"The U.S. LEI increased in September, reversing its August decline, which together with the pickup in the six-month growth rate suggests that the economy should continue expanding at a moderate pace through early 2017," said Ataman Ozyildirim, Director of Business Cycles and Growth Research at The Conference Board. "Housing permits, unemployment insurance claims, and the interest rate spread were the main components lifting the index in September. Overall, the strengths among the leading indicators are outweighing modest weaknesses in stock prices and the average workweek."