Consumer Spending, Consumers | featured news

U.S. consumers increased their spending in December at a slower pace, while their income grew by the largest amount in eight years. Income surged because companies rushed to pay dividends before income taxes increased on high-earners.

U.S. retail sales declined in April and May, pulled down by a sharp drop in gas prices. But even after excluding volatile gas sales, consumers barely increased their spending... Americans did spend more in May on big purchases. Sales of cars, furniture and appliances all increased. That suggests consumers may be gaining more confidence in the economy.

Americans earned less last month, the first decline in nearly two years. With less income, consumers could cut back on spending and weaken an already-fragile economy.

Signs that American consumers were pulling back on their spending added to growing concerns about the direction of the economy.

For the first time in a year, Americans have stopped spending more....

U.S. consumers spent more in June and pending sales of previously owned homes also rose, data issued on Tuesday showed, but the biggest drop in incomes in four-and-a-half years pointed to a slow recovery from the worst recession in decades.

US consumer spending falls for the second month in a row in April, despite an increase in personal income levels.