Economic prospects in the U.S. are looking up for the rest of 2015.

The Conference Board's index of leading indicators, a measure of the outlook for the next three to six months, rose 0.6 percent in June, according to figures from the New York-based group Thursday. The increase was double the median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Other reports showed employers are hoarding staff, while consumer confidence is down from its best levels of the year.

An improving job market, still-low interest rates, and easier access to credit are fostering a housing rebound that will help the world's biggest economy overcome weakness in business investment and manufacturing. The stock market's inability to sustain gains this year amid concerns over Greece and China is one aspect that is holding back further progress.