US Consumer Spending Slowed in March, Income Rose

Americans increased their spending more slowly in March, raising questions that consumers could be worried about the economy. Spending increased just 0.3 percent after a 0.9 percent gain in February. Income grew 0.4 percent, a bit faster than February's 0.3 percent.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

WASHINGTON — Americans increased their spending more slowly in March, suggesting some could be worried about the economy.

US consumer spending growth slowed in March after a strong February, even as personal income growth picked up pace, government data showed Monday.Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 percent of US economic activity, rose 0.3 percent in March, the Commerce Department reported.That undershot the average analyst estimate of a 0.5 percent rise.Excluding food and energy, spending rose 0.2 percent.

US consumer spending slowed in March even as Americans saw a slight rise in income, official data showed Friday.Spending rose a seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent after an upwardly revised rise of 0.9 percent in February, the Commerce Department said.The increase was slightly better than the average analyst estimate of 0.5 percent increase in consumer spending, a key driver of the US economy.

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. federal budget deficit jumped in February from January, though it is still running well below last year’s pace. Higher taxes and an improving economy are expected to hold the annual deficit below $1 trillion for the first time since President Barack Obama took office. The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the deficit grew in February by $203.5 billion. That followed a small surplus of $2.9 billion in January. And February’s gap was $28 billon smaller than the same month a year ago. Through the first five months of the budget year that began on Oct.

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. federal budget deficit jumped in February from January, though it is still running well below last year’s pace. Higher taxes and an improving economy are expected to hold the annual deficit below $1 trillion for the first time since President Barack Obama took office. The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the deficit grew in February by $203.5 billion. That followed a small surplus of $2.9 billion in January. And February’s gap was $28 billon smaller than the same month a year ago. Through the first five months of the budget year that began on Oct.

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. economy grew more slowly in the first three months of this year. Stronger consumer spending was offset by cutbacks in government spending and business investment.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Consumer spending increased by the most in se