By Ruth Mantell
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The likelihood of faster domestic economic growth is rising, the Conference Board said Thursday as it reported that its leading economic index increased in December. The leading economic index rose 0.5% in December, above analysts' estimates of a 0.4% gain, and the strongest result since September. Among the 10 indicators tracked by the Conference Board's index, the largest positive contribution in December came from fewer claims for unemployment-insurance benefits. The largest negative contribution came from consumers' expectations. November's result was upwardly revised to no change from a prior estimate of a 0.2% drop.
