US consumers boost spending

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Americans kept increasing their spending in March, and their income grew, further indication that consumers are shaking off higher taxes.

The Commerce Department said Monday that consumer spending rose 0.2 percent in March from February. That followed a 0.7 percent jump in February and a 0.3 percent gain in January.

Income increased 0.2 percent last month, after a gain of 1.1 percent in February. After-tax income also rose 0.2 percent.

Higher income has helped offset an increase in Social Security taxes that took effect Jan. 1. On Friday, the government said consumer spending rose from January through March at the fastest pace in more than two years.

Spending on services drove the March increase. That partly was due to an unseasonably cold March, which required Americans to pay more to heat their homes.

Higher spending on utilities does not signal consumer confidence the way purchases on household goods, such as new appliances or furniture, typically do. And other reports suggest consumers may be starting to feel the impact of the tax increase. Sales at retail stores and restaurants fell in March by the most in nine months.

The 2-percentage-point tax increase has reduced take-home pay for nearly all Americans. A person earning 50,000 a year will have about $1,000 less to spend this year. A household with two highly paid workers will have up to $4,500 less.

That may slow consumer spending and economic growth in the April-June quarter. Consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of economic activity.

Other trends may offset some of the impact of the taxes this year. Consumers have cut their debts, and rising home values and stock prices have increased household wealth.

In addition, gasoline has become cheaper. The national average price for a gallon of gas has fallen by 29 cents since Feb. 27 to $3.50. A decline in gas prices leaves consumers with more money to spend on other things.