Gauge of US economy’s health rises 0.7 per cent in September, showing strength before shutdown

WASHINGTON – A gauge of the U.S. economy’s future health rose solidly in September, suggesting the economy was making gains before the government shut down for 16 days.

The Conference Board says its index of leading indicators rose 0.7 per cent in September to a reading of 97.1. That follows a similar gain in August and marked the fifth increase in six months.

The index is designed to signal economic conditions over the next three to six months.

Conference board economist Ken Goldstein said the September performance was an indication that the economy was expanding modestly and possibly gaining momentum before the shutdown.

He said that the biggest economic challenge going forward was relatively weak consumer demand, reflecting weak wage growth and low levels of consumer confidence.