Index of leading indicators up 0.8% in March

[WASHINGTON] The index of US leading indicators increased in March by the most in four months, a sign that economic expansion will strengthen following harsh winter weather.

The Conference Board's index, a gauge of the outlook for the next three to six months, rose 0.8 per cent after a 0.5 per cent gain in February, the New York-based group said yesterday.

Continued gains in the labour market, improving consumer sentiment and strengthening demand are boosting consumption among households, who have spent the last five years cleaning up their balance sheets.