The Conference Board released its leading economic index for the U.S. on Friday. The leading economic index climbed by 0.5% in December, in line with expectations, after a 0.4% increase in November.

November's figure was revised down from a 0.6% gain.

The Conference Board economist Ataman Ozyildirim said that the increase of the index was driven by a majority of its components. He added that "a lack of growth in residential construction and average weekly hours in manufacturing remains a concern".