The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index rose by 0.2% to 99.5, suggesting that moderate economic growth may be on the horizon.

According to the Wall Street Journal Markets, this uptick in leading indicators reflects a cautiously optimistic outlook among economists. The modest increase indicates that while growth remains steady, it is not expected to accelerate sharply in the near term.

Analysts note that the rise in the index is primarily driven by improvements in consumer expectations and new orders, which offset declines in other components such as building permits and average weekly hours. This mixed bag of data points to a balanced but uncertain economic environment.

The Conference Board’s report adds to recent discussions among policymakers about the trajectory of the U.S. economy. While the data does not signal a dramatic shift, it does provide some reassurance that the economy is maintaining momentum without overheating.