March leading index gains as economy strengthens

WASHINGTON, DC | Thu 21 Apr 2011 10: 41 am EDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters)-the index of American economic health increased on the ninth straight month in March, suggesting that economic recovery is on its way across the global events, such as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Conference Board leading economic Index increased 0.4 percent in March to 114.1, greater profit than 0,2% of analysts polled by Reuters. February's increase was revised up to 1 percent from the previously reported 0.8 percent.

The rise of the points "to strengthen the business conditions in the near future," said Ataman Ozyildirim, Economist of The Conference Board, in a statement.

"The increase in March was led by interest rates, disseminate and housing allow components, while the expectations of consumers," added Ozyildirim.

Coincident index increased 0.2 percent in March, as well as the lagging index, which was 0.3 percent.

(Reported Lisa Lambert; Editing James dalgleish)

View the original article here