OECD's leading index rises

The Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation said Monday the United States and Japan have given global economic expectations a boost. The organization that represents 30 industrialized nations said its composite index of leading indicators rose to 100.4 in January from 100.3 in December. The index has been on the rise since September. Before that, it was stuck at 100 for three months. The OECD's leading indicator for the United States held at 100.9 in January. The U.S. index has been on the rise or held even since July 2012. The index for Japan jumped in January to 100.6 from 100.4. It has been climbing or holding steady since September 2012.