The Conference Board's index of leading indicators for July rose more than expected, but still suggests little improvement in the economy.

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The Conference Board says its index of leading indicators rose 0.2 percent in January to 94.1, the second straight increase after a gain of 0.5 percent in December.

NPR: Measure Of Future US Growth Up 0.2 Pct In January

These signs have included significant drops in initial jobless claims, increases in the index of Leading Indicators, as well as the ISM manufacturing new orders index extending above 50.

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The Conference Board reported Thursday that the LEI, their index of ten leading indicators, rose 0.2%.

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The Index of Leading Economic Indicators surprised on the upside, increasing by 0.6 percent, whereas a 0.2 percent rise was expected.

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Separately, an index of leading economic indicators posted an unexpected fall in March, as consumers turned gloomy on the economic outlook.

WSJ: Blue Chips Fall 81 Points

After nudging up in November for the first time since April 2007, our index of leading economic indicators fell during December and January to its lowest level in at least five years.

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Index of leading economic indicators fell.

NPR: Drop In Oil Prices Helps Send Dow Lower, Too

The Conference Board is out with its leading indicators index for the month of May, and the results reversed a 0.4% decline that it measured in April with a 0.8% increase to 114.7.

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U.S. economic data due for release Thursday includes the third-quarter GDP estimate, the weekly jobless claims report, the Chicago Fed national activity index, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey, the U.S. house price index and leading economic indicators.

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