NEW YORK, May 19 (UPI) -- An influential measure of the U.S. economy, the leading indicators rose 0.1 percent in April for the second straight month the Conference Board reported Monday.

Due to the two-months of gains, the six-month rate of decline in the leading index slowed to minus-1.2 percent.

"In addition, the weaknesses among the leading indicators have become somewhat less widespread in the last two months," the Conference Board said.

In the various indicators that make up the compiled leading index, gains were made in stock prices, building permits, average weekly claims for unemployment insurance and manufacturers' new orders for consumer goods and materials.

However, consumer expectations, weekly manufacturing hours and new orders for non-defense capital goods declined.