"A measure of future U.S. economic growth rose modestly in the latest week, while the annualized growth rate also improved, a research group said on Friday.   The Economic Cycle Research Institute, a New York-based  independent forecasting group, said its Weekly Leading Index  edged up to 123.1 in the week ended Jan 27 from a revised 122.7 the previous week. That was originally reported as 122.8.   The index's annualized growth rate rose to minus 5.2 percent from minus 6.6 percent a week earlier. ECRI said the growth rate rose to a 22-week high."   (more about ECRI)