Leading indicators climb for France

PARIS, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- The Leading Economic Index for France increased in August with help from gains in stock prices, the country's Conference Board said Friday.

The index, which rose 0.6 percent from July, also received positive contributions from new unemployment claims and factory orders, which offset a slide in residential building permits.

The index, which assigns 2004 a base value of 100 for comparisons, rose to 116.3 in August, the Conference Board said.

The board said the index increased 1.5 percent over six months, slightly faster than the 1.2 percent average increase of the previous six months.