WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Commerce Department said consumer spending and incomes rose in July after months of virtually stagnant data.
Spending rose 0.4 percent in the month compared to June. But spending fell in 0.1 percent in April, rose 0.1 percent in May and was unchanged in June. That puts the four-month average rise at 0.1 percent.
Incomes, which were also flat a month ago, rose 0.2 percent in July.
For consumer goods in July, spending rose 0.5 percent, with retail sales up 0.4 percent, the report said, much of that due to hot weather, which spurred sales of air conditioners and drove demand on utilities to keep homes and businesses cool.
Spending on service-related businesses rose 0.4 percent after a rise of 0.1 percent in June.
Incomes rose marginally as an unemployment rate of 9.5 percent eased pressure on employers to offer raises. UPI
