The Canadian Press

The composite leading index rose by 1.1% in September, its fourth straight gain, while August was revised up to 1.2% from 1.1%.

Statistics Canada reports seven of 10 components advanced, led again by the stock market and the housing index, while two components declined.

The housing index rose 4.1%, its fifth straight increase.

However, the advance spread from existing home sales to housing starts in September.

The stock market recorded its sixth increase in a row, led by metals and energy stocks.

Employment in business and personal services remained the most persistently weak component, posting a 0.4% drop after a year of declines or no growth.