The Conference Board released its leading economic index for the U.S. on Thursday. The leading economic index climbed by 0.2% in February, missing expectations a 0.3% gain, after a 0.2% increase in January.

The increase was driven by rises of seven of the ten indicators.

The Conference Board economist Ataman Ozyildirim said that the leading economic index "remains in growth territory, but weakness in the industrial sector and business investment is holding economic growth back, despite improvements in labor markets and consumer confidence".