
A measure of where the American economy is headed in the next three to six months increased again, according to figures released on Thursday.
A measure of where the American economy is headed in the next three to six months increased again, according to figures released on Thursday.


A measure of where the American economy is headed in the next three to six months increased again, according to figures released on Thursday.
The private research group The Conference Board and its Leading Economic Index advanced 0.6% in June for a reading of 123, following an upwardly revised 0.8% increase in May from an earlier 0.7% improvement and a 0.6% gain in April.
The latest figure was better than a consensus estimate from a group of economists polled by Reuters, who were expected a 0.2% increase for June.
“The upward trend in the U.S. LEI seems to be gaining more momentum, with another large increase in June pointing to continued strength in the economic outlook for the remainder of the year,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of business cycles and growth research at The Conference Board. “Housing permits and the interest rate spread drove the latest gain in the LEI, while labor market indicators such as average workweek and initial claims remained unchanged."
The index is made up of 10 components, including stock prices, manufacturing levels, home construction and other items.
The group’s Coincident Economic Index, which measures current economic activity, increased 0.2% in June to 112.5, following a 0.2% rise in May, and a 0.3% gain in April.
The Lagging Economic Index, which measures U.S. economic activity of previous months, increased 0.7% in June to 117.6, following a 0.1% increase in May, and a 0.2% hike in April.

Speaking at the TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville, ATA President Chris Spear said trucking faces mounting pressure from rising fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and uncertainty around trade policy.
Read More →
More than 100,000 new trucking companies enter the industry each year, but regulators manage to audit only a fraction of them. That churn creates opportunities for inexperienced startups — and for “chameleon carriers” that shut down after safety violations and reappear under new identities. Read more from Deborah Lockridge in this commentary.
Read More →
HDTX is an intimate event that connects heavy-duty trucking fleet managers with industry suppliers through small-group discussions, educational sessions, and structured one-on-one meetings.
Read More →
New DAT One feature shows top-paying loads directly on an iPhone’s home screen, helping carriers react faster to spot-market opportunities.
Read More →
Optimal Dynamics says its new Scale platform uses AI agents and optimization to help carriers find and secure freight that improves network balance and profitability.
Read More →
DAT Freight & Analytics data shows tightening flatbed capacity, easing produce markets, and softening van and reefer rates.
Read More →
NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.
Read More →
A federal court ruling allows New York City’s congestion pricing program to continue, leaving truck tolls in place for fleets delivering into Manhattan.
Read More →
Fontaine Modification has introduced a new customer portal designed to give fleets real-time visibility into the truck modification process, addressing one of the most common questions fleet managers face: “Where’s my truck?”
Read More →
Strong freight rates, rising volumes and tighter capacity push trucking conditions higher, though diesel prices could temper gains in the near term, FTR cautions.
Read More →