The Conference Board's U.S. leading economic index released today rose 1.1% in December from November. It now stands at 106.4 (2004=100).

"The indicators point to an economy in early recovery," said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board. "The leading economic index suggests that the pace of improvement could pick up this spring."

Data for the December reading of the U.S. leading economic index includes annual benchmark revisions.