Gauge of US economy posts healthy 0.9 percent rise in October, best showing since July

An index designed to predict the future health of the economy rose in October at the fastest pace in three months.

The Conference Board says its index of leading indicators increased 0.9 percent last month following a 0.7 percent rise in September, which had been initially reported as a slightly stronger 0.8 percent increase. The October reading was the best showing since a 1.2 percent jump in July.

Conference Board economist Ken Goldstein says the October performance points to continued economic growth through the holiday season and into early 2015.