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Consumer spending

Economists predict increase in consumer spending
Consumer spending is likely to pick up this year, while government spending declines at a faster rate, according to a survey of business economists.
Gauge of US economy's future health up in April
A measure of the U.S. economy's future health rose solidly in April, buoyed by a sharp rise in applications to build homes and a better job market.
Japanese economy grew at 3.5 percent pace in 1Q
Japan's economy grew by a stronger-than-expected 3.5 percent in annual terms last quarter, giving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a boost as his government ...
US retail sales rise in April on cars, clothing
Lower-priced gas allowed Americans to step up their spending at retailers in April, from cars and clothes to electronics and appliances. The rebound ...
US business stockpiles flat in March, sales fall
U.S. businesses left their stockpiles unchanged in March for a second straight month while their sales fell sharply. The Commerce Department said ...
Solid job gains in April ease fears about economy
The U.S. economy showed last month why it remains the envy of industrialized nations: In the face of tax increases and federal spending cuts, ...
Survey: US service firms grew more slowly in April
A survey of U.S. service firms says the sector expanded at a slower pace in April than March, as companies reported less business activity and ...
April report to show whether weak hiring persisted
A report Friday on April employment could show whether weak hiring in March marked a temporary lull or the fourth year in which a slumping economy has ...
US employment compensation up 0.3 percent in Q1
Americans' wages increased at a faster rate from January through March than the previous quarter, a trend that helped boost consumer spending at the ...
US consumer confidence up on better hiring outlook
Americans' confidence in the economy jumped this month, helped by a better outlook for the job market and expectations for higher pay. The Conference ...
US consumers boost spending 0.2 pct. last month
Americans kept increasing their spending in March and their income grew, further indication that consumers are shaking off higher taxes. The Commerce ...
Stocks open higher as consumer spending rises
Stocks are edging higher in early trading on Wall Street as investors were encouraged by an increase in consumer spending last month. The Dow Jones ...
After near-stall in late 2012, US economy picks up
After nearly stalling in late 2012, the American economy quickened its pace early this year despite deep government cutbacks. The strongest consumer ...
US economy accelerates at 2.5 percent rate in Q1
Americans shrugged off higher taxes to lift the U.S. economy at the start of the year. Government spending fell, though, and the impact of the tax ...
US economy likely rebounded in first quarter
U.S. economic growth likely accelerated from January through March from a near-stall at the end of 2012, propelled by a revival in housing, steady ...
Fed survey: Housing and auto sales lift US economy
A strengthening housing recovery and robust auto sales contributed to moderate economic growth across the United States in late February and March, ...
China vows to boost consumption after growth dips
China's government on Wednesday promised steps to boost domestic consumption as a driver of the economy after growth dipped in the latest quarter.
US retail sales fall 0.4 percent in March
Sales at U.S. retailers fell in March from February, indicating that higher taxes and weak hiring likely made some consumers more cautious about ...
US wholesale stockpiles fell 0.3 pct. in February
U.S. wholesalers cut their restocking in February by the most in 17 months. But their sales jumped, suggesting companies underestimated consumer ...
Dim labor report shows US added just 88K jobs
A streak of robust job growth came to a halt in March, signaling that U.S. employers may have grown cautious in a fragile economy. The gain of 88,000 ...
Japan central bank revamps policy to boost economy
Japan is taking aggressive action to lift consumer prices, encourage borrowing and help pull the world's third-largest economy out of a long slump.
US factory orders up 3 percent in February
Orders to U.S. factories rose sharply in February from January on a surge in volatile demand for commercial aircraft. The gain offset a drop in key ...
US consumer spending, income jump in February
U.S. consumers stepped up spending in February after their income jumped, aided by a stronger job market that offset some of the drag from higher ...
US economy expands at 0.4 percent rate
The U.S. economy grew at a slightly faster but still anemic rate at the end of last year. However, there is hope that growth accelerated in early 2013 ...
Housing, manufacturing give US economy lift
Gains in housing and manufacturing propelled the U.S. economy over the winter, according to reports released Tuesday, and analysts say they point to ...