The Conference Board’s US Leading Economic Index rose in January, suggesting continued economic growth in first half of 2017. The index rose 0.6% in January to a reading of 125.5 (2010 = 100), following increases of 0.5% increase in December and 0.2% in November.

“The US Leading Economic Index increased sharply again in January, pointing to a positive economic outlook in the first half of this year,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of business cycles and growth research at The Conference Board. “The January gain was broad based among the leading indicators. If this trend continues, the US economy may even accelerate in the near term.”