The Conference Board’s US leading economic index edged down in September but still suggests moderate growth will continue. The index fell 0.2% in September to a reading of 123.3 (2010 = 100), following no change in August and July.

“Despite September’s decline, the US [leading economic index] still suggests economic expansion will continue, although at a moderate pace,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of business cycles and growth research at The Conference Board. “The recent weakness in stock markets, the manufacturing sector and housing permits was offset by gains in financial indicators, and to a lesser extent improvements in consumer expectations and initial claims for unemployment insurance. The US economy is on track for moderate growth of about 2.5% in the coming quarters, despite the mixed global economic landscape.”