The U.S. leading economic index rose in April for the third consecutive month, The Conference Board reported today. The index rose 0.4 percent in April to a reading of 101.4 (2004 = 100), following a 1.0 percent increase in March, and a 0.5 percent increase in February.

“Despite a brutal winter which brought the economy to a halt, the overall trend in the leading economic index has remained positive,” said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board. “If consumers continue to spend, and businesses pick up the pace of investment, the industrial core of the economy will benefit and GDP growth could move closer towards the 3 percent range.”