U.S. econ growth gauge edges higher in week - ECRI

NEW YORK, Dec 4 (Reuters) - A weekly measure of future U.S.
economic growth rose slightly in the latest week, and though
its yearly growth rate slipped further to an 11-week low the
rise in the index points to increased economic activity in the
near term, a research group said on Friday.

The Economic Cycle Research Institute, a New York-based
independent forecasting group, said its Weekly Leading Index
rose to 129.5 in the week ended Nov. 27, from an upwardly
revised 128.9 the prior week, originally reported as 128.8.

The index's yearly growth rate dipped to an 11-week low of
23.4 percent from 24.2 percent, which was revised higher from
an original 24.1 percent.

Though the annualized growth gauge has fallen from all-time
highs touched in early October, ECRI Managing Director Lakshman
Achuthan said the inverse move between the two components is
"consistent with increasing economic activity in the months
ahead."

This week's index rose largely due to stronger housing
activity, Achuthan said.

The growth rate is derived from a four-week moving average,
and occasionally moves inversely to the weekly index level.
(Reporting by Camille Drummond; Editing by James Dalgleish)
((camille.drummond@thomsonreuters.com; Tel: +1 646-223-6323;
Reuters Messaging: camille.drummond.reuters.com@reuters.net))