The U.S. Conference Board Leading Indicator for November rose 0.3 percent in November, nearly reversing a 0.4 percent decline in October. The Leading Indicator declined 1.6 percent in the six-month period from May to November 2024, slightly less than the 1.9 percent decline in the previous six months (November 2023 to May 2024). Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, senior manager of business cycle indicators at the Conference Board, said the U.S. economic indicator rose in November for the first time since February 2022. The indicator was buoyed by an increase in construction permits, continued support in the stock market, an improvement in average manufacturing hours worked, and a decrease in initial jobless claims. Overall, the indicator's rise is a positive sign for future economic activity in the United States. The current forecast is that U.S. GDP will grow by 2.7% in 2024, but growth will slow to 2.0% in 2025.