The U.S. leading economic index rose in February, The Conference Board reported today. The index rose 0.5 percent in February to a reading of 99.8 (2004 = 100), following a 0.1 percent increase in January and a 0.1 percent decline in December.

“The biggest challenge continues to be weak consumer demand, pinned down by weak wage growth. These conditions were still in evidence the first two months of the year, but will likely improve as spring arrives," said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board.