U.S. yearly economic growth at a 27-week high-ECRI

NEW YORK, April 24 (Reuters) - A weekly measure of U.S.
future economic growth remained unchanged, while its annualized
growth rate rose to levels last seen in early October 2008,
suggesting economic recovery for the near future, a research
group said Friday.

The Economic Cycle Research Institute, a New York-based
independent forecasting group, said its Weekly Leading Index
was flat at 107.2 for the week ending April 17 .

The index's annualized growth rate -- continuing its
six-month upswing -- rose to negative 18.6 percent from the
prior week's rate of negative 19.7 percent.

It was the highest yearly growth reading since Oct. 10,
2008, when the rate was minus 17.0 percent, according to ECRI
data.

"With WLI growth rising to a 27-week high, U.S. economic
growth, which is now at a record low, will soon begin to
improve," said Lakshman Achuthan, managing director at ECRI.

While the yearly economic growth forecast improved, the
index level was unchanged as lower interest rates and higher
commodity prices were neutralized by higher jobless claims and
weaker housing activity, Achuthan said.
(Reporting by Camille; Editing by Padraic Cassidy)