Business briefs

Index suggests more growth

A gauge of future economic activity rose last month at the fastest pace since March, suggesting the economy will strengthen early next year. The Conference Board said Friday its index of leading economic indicators rose 1.1 percent last month - the biggest increase since March, when the index jumped 1.4 percent. The leading indicators rose 0.4 percent in October and 0.6 percent in November. The index has risen for five straight months. Deutsche Bank economist Joseph LaVorgna said the index's recent leap suggested that economic growth picked up significantly, to above 3 percent, in the October-December quarter and would continue to accelerate in the first three months of next year. The economy grew at a 2.5 percent pace from July through September.

Honda Passport SUV recall

Honda Motor Co. is recalling about 35,000 Passport sport utility vehicles to inspect brackets on the rear suspension that could detach and lead to a crash. The recall announced Friday involves Passports from the 1998-2002 model years and is limited to 21 states - including New York - and the District of Columbia where road salt is used during the winter. Honda spokesman Chris Naughton said the government received 33 complaints from owners but no injuries were reported. Honda said it expected to notify owners beginning Friday. Owners can determine if their vehicle needs inspection by visiting recalls.honda.com or calling 800- 999-1009 and hitting option 4.

$2.4M for Elmont rehab

The state's economic development agency has approved a $2.4-million grant for commercial renovations on Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont just southeast of Belmont Park racetrack on the Queens border. The Empire State Development Corp. board of directors approved the money Thursday as part of $40 million in project approvals statewide. The agency said the project will "rehabilitate and reconstruct 12 existing business and mixed-use properties and demolish obsolete properties." - JOSEPH MALLIA

From staff and wire reports