US Leading Economic Indicator Rises Strongly in December

US Leading Economic Indicator Rises Strongly in December
A speed limit sign is seen beside a city sign for Economy, Ind., on Nov. 10, 2020. Timothy Aeppel/Reuters
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WASHINGTON—A gauge of future U.S. economic activity increased solidly in December, suggesting the expansion would continue despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and anticipated interest rate increases from the Federal Reserve to tame high inflation.

The Conference Board said on Friday its Leading Economic Index rose 0.8 percent last month after advancing 0.7 percent in November. Last month’s increase was in line with economists’ expectations.