The economy is fluctuating around a slow growth trend, according to The Conference Board. The organization’s U.S. leading economic index increased 0.6 percent in September to reading of 95.9 (2004 = 100), following a 0.4 percent decline in August and a 0.4 percent increase in July.

“The single biggest challenge remains weak demand, domestically and globally. The struggle to regain firmer ground — in financial markets, international trade and global industrial output — continues because of weak consumer demand and a lack of more robust business investment,” said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board.