If one barometer that's supposed to tell us how the economy will be doing in coming months is right, then things should slowly keep getting better (at least statistically).

The private Conference Board says its "Leading Economic Index" rose 1% in September. The index, which is based on such indicators as unemployment insurance claims, building permits and consumer confidence, has now risen for six straight months. As the Associated Press notes, that's "a sign the economy will keep growing next year."

Planet Money follows the economy's ups and downs.