The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in March to 123.4, following a 0.1 percent decline in February, and a 0.2 percent decline in January.

“With the March gain, the U.S. LEI’s six-month growth rate improved slightly but still points to slow, although not slowing, growth in the coming quarters,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, director of business cycles and growth research at The Conference Board. “Rebounding stock prices were offset by a decline in housing permits, but nonetheless there were widespread gains among the leading indicators. Financial conditions, as well as expected improvements in manufacturing, should support a modest growth environment in 2016.”

The Coincident Economic Index was flat in March at 113.3, following a 0.1 percent increase in February, and a 0.3 percent increase in January.

The Lagging Economic Index increased 0.4 percent in March to 120.9, following a 0.5 percent increase in February, and a 0.1 percent increase in January.