WASHINGTON (AP) — A measure of the U.S. economy designed to signal future activity fell in November, suggesting that growth could remain weak in the early part of next year.

The Conference Board said Thursda that its index of leading indicators dropped 0.2 percent in November, compared with October, when the index had risen 0.3 percent. It was the first decline in the index since a 0.4 percent fall in August. The index is intended to anticipate economic conditions three to six months out.