Confident consumers brighten economic outlook

Consumer sentiment hit a five-month high heading into the end of the year and spending notched its strongest month since the summer, the latest signs of sustained vigor in the economy that are fostering hopes of a strong 2014. Consumer spending rose in November at the fastest pace since June and an upbeat sentiment reading for December suggests consumers will keep shopping despite tepid income growth. Consumer spending rose 0.5 percent after gaining 0.4 percent in October, the Commerce Department said on Monday. When adjusted for inflation, consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, also increased 0.5 percent, the most since February 2012.

via Business News - Yahoo Finance http://finance.yahoo.com/news/consumer-spending-brightens-economic-outlook-133401814.html