Consumers increased their installment debt by $1.2 billion in February, the sixth straight monthly advance.

The composite index posted a third straight advance, climbing six-tenths of 1 percent in April.

The index climbed another two points in August, to 53, its fourth straight advance from April's low reading of 38.

In addition, on Friday the Government's index of leading economic indicators is expected to show its third straight monthly advance.

Sales shot up 1 percent in April, the third straight advance, to $711.2 billion from $704.3 billion.

Industrial production rose two-tenths of 1 percent in August, the third straight advance.

Markets In its third straight advance, the stock market rallied strongly.

It was the second straight advance and raised the number of new claims to the highest level since 412,000 applications in the week ended Jan. 20.

Nationally, the rise of 126,000 in payroll jobs caps three straight advances totaling 270,000.

In the postwar period, three straight advances have almost invariably signaled an imminent recovery.