Much of the February gain in consumer spending was because of an increase in prices, leaving so-called real purchases with a decline for the month.
Incomes fell 0.2 percent, after a 0.2 percent increase in January. The survey median projected a 0.1 percent decrease.
The Reuters/University of Michigan index continues to hover near the 28-year low of 55.3 reached in November. The median forecast was 56.8. The index of consumer expectations six months from now, which more closely predicts the direction of spending, rose to 53.5 from 50.5 in February.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aOg_5hUJugOQ&refer=home
Incomes fell 0.2 percent, after a 0.2 percent increase in January. The survey median projected a 0.1 percent decrease.
The Reuters/University of Michigan index continues to hover near the 28-year low of 55.3 reached in November. The median forecast was 56.8. The index of consumer expectations six months from now, which more closely predicts the direction of spending, rose to 53.5 from 50.5 in February.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aOg_5hUJugOQ&refer=home