] NEW YORK -- A closely watched measure of future economic
] activity fell in August for a third consecutive month,
] reflecting an uncertain climate for both businesses and
] consumers.
]
] The Conference Board said Thursday its Composite Index of
] Leading Economic Indicators fell 0.3 percent in August to
] 115.7, following a decline of 0.3 percent in July.
]
] The August reading was the third month of decline in the
] index, after a year in which it gained steady ground. The
] drop last month was larger than the 0.2 percent decrease
] forecast by analysts.