The index of leading economic indicators, which is supposed to forecast economic trends six to nine months ahead, rose 0.7% in June following a revised 1.3% gain in May, the New York-based Conference Board said.
Wall Street economists had forecast a rise of 0.5% after an initial 1.2% May increase.
Over the first half of the year, the index has increased at a 4.1% annual rate, the research group said.
"The recession has been losing steam since the spring, although very large job losses continue," Ken Goldstein, a Conference Board economist, said in a statement. "Nevertheless, confidence is slowly rebuilding."
"If these trends continue, expect a slow recovery this autumn," he said.
Consumer prices rise 0.7% in JuneWall St. seeks to extend rally
