WASHINGTON - A gauge of the U.S. economy’s prospects rose for a sixth-straight month in September, but there are still signs that the job market is weak.

Thursday’s report from the Conference Board shows the index of leading indicators rose one percent to 103.5.  Rising stock prices and corporate profits helped boost the six-month outlook.

But a separate government report showed more newly laid-off workers applied for unemployment aid across the United States last week.

The report from the Labor Department says first-time unemployment claims rose more than economists had expected by 11,000 to a total of 531,000.

Analysts say it may be evidence that the troubled job market will continue to restrain consumer spending.

Source:  VOA News