WASHINGTON (AP) — A measure of U.S. economic activity designed to give signals about the future posted a solid gain in September, rebounding after a dip in August. But the index is still signaling weak growth.

The Conference Board says its index of leading indicators rose 0.6 percent in September after falling 0.4 percent in August and rising 0.4 percent in July. The previous months were revised down slightly.

The strength in September came from a big jump in applications for building permits, which the government reported Wednesday had climbed to a four-year high that month.