US Conference Board's leading economic index unexpectedly rose 0.1% in February due to manufacturing, stock prices, and credit index improvements.

The Conference Board's leading economic index for the US unexpectedly increased by 0.1% in February, the first rise since February 2022. The index rose due to a surge in manufacturing employment hours, stock prices, the Leading Credit Index and residential construction. However, consumer expectations and the ISM Index of New Orders are yet to recover. The six- and twelve-month growth rates of the index remain negative.