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US Consumer Spending Increases


Shoppers unload their shopping cart at a Pembroke Pines, Fla., Costco store, September 29, 2011 (file photo).
Shoppers unload their shopping cart at a Pembroke Pines, Fla., Costco store, September 29, 2011 (file photo).

Consumer spending increased slightly in the United States last month, along with confidence in the economy.

A government Commerce Department report says spending increased by six-tenths of a percent in September, even though incomes increased less than projected.

Consumer spending drives much of the economic activity in the United States, and Friday's figures followed a report Thursday that said the U.S. economy was growing at a 2.5 percent annual rate.

The spending and growth figures were supported by a private report showing that consumer confidence in the economy was slightly higher in September, increasing hope that the U.S. economy can avoid another recession and continue a slow recovery.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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