Washington - A key gauge of the US economy improved slightly in September, the first rise in five months despite an ongoing financial crisis and fears of a recession in the United States.

The New York-based Conference Board's leading economic indicators rose by 0.3 per cent from August, led by improvements in consumer expectations and an increase in the real money supply.

Six of the 10 indicators that make up the index rose on the month. But key gauges including stock prices, construction and unemployment continued to fall.

The index, which examines economic performance for the coming three to six months, has fallen 1.3 per cent since March. (dpa)