HispanicBusiness

A summary of key US economic indicators rose 0.6 per cent in September as the economy continued to grow slowly, data showed Thursday.

The New York-based Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators increased to 95.9 following revised declines of 0.4 per cent in both August and July.

"The six-month growth rate has slowed substantially, but still remains in growth territory due to positive contributions from the housing and financial components," said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of economic research at The Conference Board

Weak domestic and international demand continues to be a drag on the economy, which is evident in the index, a compilation of 10 indicators that include economic confidence, unemployment claims and manufacturing orders, the private group said. The index stood at 100 in 2004.

The figures are being closely watched ahead of November's presidential election, where the state of the economy is the key campaign issue.