Strong Signs
Consumer spending rose by 0.4 percent in December following a 0.5 percent rise the month before, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Manufacturing is also on the rise, according to the Institute of Supply Management, which compiles its manufacturing index as an indicator of a contracting or expanding manufacturing sector. The index rose to 63.6 in January from 63.4 in December. According to the ISM, an index reading above 50 indicates an expanding manufacturing sector.
