The Conference Board’s US leading economic index edged up in February, suggesting modest growth through early 2016. The index rose 0.1% in February to a reading of 123.2 (2010 = 100), following decreases of 0.2% in January and 0.3% in December.

“The US [leading economic index] increased slightly in February, after back-to-back monthly declines, but housing permits, stock prices, consumer expectations, and new orders remain sources of weakness,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of business cycles and growth research at The Conference Board. “Although the [leading economic index’s] six-month growth rate has moderated considerably in recent months, the outlook remains positive with little chance of a downturn in the near-term.”