The Economic Cycle Research Institute, a New York-based independent forecasting group, said its Weekly Leading Index rose in the week ended December 26, to 108.0 from 106.8 in the previous week, which was revised from 106.6.

The index's annualized growth rate ticked up to negative 28.7 percent from minus 29.2 percent.

"Despite a three-week uptick, WLI growth remains close to its all-time low seen in early December, which tells us that the recession will persist for the time being," said Lakshman Achuthan, managing director at ECRI.

The weekly index rose due to lower jobless claims and stronger housing, but the uptick was partly offset by weaker stock prices, Achuthan said.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Dan Grebler)