Initial Claims Hold Near 52-Year Lows; Leading Economic Indicators Improve

Initial claims for unemployment insurance hovered near historic lows last week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. In a separate report, the Conference Board, New York, reported its Leading Economic Index rose in March, the second consecutive monthly improvement.

October Leading Economic Indicators Up Nearly 1%

The Conference Board, New York, said its Leading Economic Index for the U.S. increased by 0.9 percent in October to 118.3, following an 0.1 percent increase in September and an 0.7 percent increase in August.

July Leading Economic Index Sees 3rd Consecutive Increase

The Conference Board, New York, said its Leading Economic Index for the U.S. increased by 0.9 percent in July to 116.0, following a 0.5 percent increase in June and a 1.2 percent increase in May.