Consumer Spending | featured news

Gartner lowered its forecast for 2011 personal-computer shipments. The market-research firm now expects 9.3% growth, down from a previous forecast of 10.5%, as consumer spending tightens.

Consumer spending rose less than expected in April as high gasoline prices continued to squeeze household budgets, according to government data on Friday which also showed annual inflation accelerating at its fastest pace in a year.

Americans earned and spent more in March, but much of the extra money went toward more expensive gasoline.

The country’s economy, which crashed in 1994 and 2001 and was set back by the global financial crisis, is showing signs of overheating, fueled by consumer spending.

U.S. consumer spending rose less than expected in January as households took advantage of the largest increase in incomes in more than 1-1/2 years.

The economy grew slower than initially estimated in the fourth quarter as government investment contracted more sharply and consumer spending was less robust, a government report showed on Friday.

The U.S. economy grew more than previously calculated in the third quarter, led by stronger consumer spending and fueled by labor income gains that may stoke demand into 2011.

Consumer spending rose at the strongest pace in four months in July, supported by a small gain in incomes, offering hope that consumers will be able to keep contributing to a modest recovery.

Personal incomes and spending come in flat for June, worse than the slight gains anticipated.

The pace of consumer spending stalled in June and personal incomes failed to increase, further evidence that the economic recovery slowed in the spring.