NEW YORK (September 21, 2009)--A private research group's forecast of economic activity rose in August for the fifth straight month, the latest sign the recession has ended.

The Conference Board said Monday its index of leading indicators rose 0.6 percent in August, which follows follows a 0.9 percent gain in July revised up from 0.6 percent.

Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a 0.7 percent gain last month.

The indicators are designed to project economic activity in the next three to six months.

Five of the 10 that comprise the index increased in August, including stock prices and building permits.

An accompanying index meant to measure the current state of the business cycle was flat.

The July reading was revised up to a 0.1 percent gain from zero, the first increase in nine months.