The index of leading economic indicators — forecasting conditions in the next three to six months — increased 1.0 percent in April, rising for the first time in seven months.
It was the biggest gain since November 2005, an indication that the world’s biggest economy is poised for modest growth later this year, the Conference Board said Thursday.
Seven of the index’s 10 components were pointing up.
“We expect another sharp increase in the index for May,” said one economist.