By Steve Goldstein
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- With 8 out of 10 indicators climbing, the Conference Board's leading economic index grew 0.5% in February, marking the third straight month of gains. The gain was stronger than the 0.4% forecast, and the rise came after an upwardly revised January gain of 0.5%. "The U.S. economy is growing slowly now, and with this reading increases hope that it may pick up some momentum in the second half of the year. However, this latest report does not yet the capture the recent effects of sequestration, which could dampen the pickup in GDP," said Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board.
