Consumer spending news and stories by mail.com

Consumer spending

Job gains cut unemployment to 7.7 pct., 4-year low
The American job market isn't just growing. It's accelerating. Employers added 236,000 jobs in February and drove down the unemployment rate to 7.
US household wealth regains pre-recession peak
It took 5½ years. Surging stock prices and steady home-price increases have finally allowed Americans to regain the $16 trillion in wealth they lost ...
US service firms grows at fastest pace in a year
U.S. service companies grew in February at the fastest pace in a year, buoyed by higher sales, more new orders and solid job growth. The gain suggests ...
Jump in factory growth lifts hopes for US economy
Busier factories and growing optimism among consumers could help the U.S. economy withstand the drag from government spending cuts and tax increases ...
US factories see best growth since June 2011
U.S. manufacturing expanded in February at the fastest pace since June 2011, buoyed by increases in new orders and production. The third straight ...
US consumer spending up 0.2 percent in January
U.S. consumers increased spending modestly in January but cut back on major purchases that signal confidence in the economy. The decline in spending ...
US factories grow at fastest pace since June 2011
U.S. manufacturing expanded in February at the fastest pace since June 2011, buoyed by increases in new orders and production. The third straight ...
US economy barely grew in Q4, but rebound likely
The weakest quarter for the U.S. economy in nearly two years may end up being a temporary lull. Economists think growth has begun to pick up on the ...
Report: Indian casinos revenue up slightly in 2011
Indian casinos brushed off weak consumer spending in a sluggish U.S. economic recovery to post a modest increase in revenue in 2011, an industry study ...
Asia stocks rise amid positive US company news
Stock markets in Asia moved higher Thursday on the heels of positive corporate news and resilience in U.S. consumer spending. Japan's Nikkei 225 index ...
US retail sales rise 0.1 pct. after tax increase
Americans barely spent more last month at retail businesses and restaurants after higher taxes cut their paychecks. The small increase suggests ...
US consumer debt up in Dec. on student, auto loans
Americans stepped up borrowing in December to buy cars and attend school. But they cut back sharply on credit card use, continuing a trend that could ...
US service firms grew more slowly in January
Growth at U.S. service companies slowed slightly in January behind weaker new orders and business activity. But hiring improved, a bright sign for the ...
Report: US job market looks surprisingly strong
The U.S. job market is proving surprisingly strong and raising hopes that the economy will be resilient enough this year to withstand a budget ...
US consumer spending up slight 0.2 percent
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 ...
Futures head lower; new jobs and consumer data
Stock futures are heading lower as the government releases new data on consumer spending and unemployment. Dow Jones industrial futures are down 13 ...
Slow US economic growth in Q4 may hide strength
Most economists agree that Wednesday's snapshot of U.S. economic growth is going to look dismal. The consensus forecast from Factset is economic ...
US economy gets lift from housing, other tailwinds
The U.S. economy is a study in contrasts. The housing, banking and auto industries are surging back to health and that has helped push the stock ...
US retail sales rose 0.5 percent in December
U.S. consumers increased their spending at retail businesses in December, buying more autos, furniture and clothing. Steady job growth and lower gas ...
US consumer debt rises on more car, school loans
U.S. consumers took on more debt in November to buy cars and attend school, but stayed cautious with their credit cards. The Federal Reserve said ...
US still faces political fights on spending, debt
A last-minute deal will keep the U.S. from driving off the so-called "fiscal cliff," but higher taxes and continued political fighting in Washington ...
Will retailers rebound after weak holiday season?
As signs emerge that holiday sales this year grew at the weakest pace since 2008, investors are dumping retail stocks. Analysts are crowing about the ...
US economy could handle short fall over 'cliff'
The economic threat that's kept many Americans on edge for months is nearing reality — unless the White House and Republicans cut a budget deal by New ...
Signs suggest better economy if 'cliff' is averted
Fresh signs of a strengthening U.S. economy on Friday suggested that if Congress and the White House can avert the "fiscal cliff," the economic ...