Take this with the usual grain of salt:
A key measure of future economic activity increased slightly in June for the third month in a row, in line with analysts’ expectations.
The report lent support to the view among economists that the worst was over, although it did not alter their opinion that consumers and businesses still are on shaky ground.
The Conference Board reported Monday that its Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose by 0.1 percent in June to 111.8, after a 1.1 percent rise in May and a 0.1 percent rise in April. However, the board said it was too soon to declare the start of a period of steady economic growth.
“I still think we need to be a little cautious,” said Ken Goldstein, an economist for the board.
“But,” he added, “we may finally, after a year and a half delay, be moving into a real recovery.”