WASHINGTON, Nov 21, 2007 (AFP) - The index of US leading economic indicators fell 0.5 percent in October, suggesting soft conditions in the coming months, the Conference Board said Wednesday.

The forward-looking gauge of economic activity stands at 136.9 from a 1996 base of 100 after an increase of 0.1 percent in September and a fall of 0.9 percent in August.

The report was weaker than analyst estimates for a decline of 0.3 percent.

"The data are pointing to a continued slow economy," said economist Ken Goldstein of the business research firm.

"It might even slow a little more after the holidays. Business confidence could edge lower, with unrelenting concerns about price increases not keeping up with wage pressures."

Goldstein added that consumers "worry about about wages not keeping up with price increases."

Other indexes in the survey were mixed. The coincident index of current activity was flat following a 0.2 percent rise in September. The lagging index advanced 0.3 percent following a 0.4 percent gain in the prior month.