Americans’ incomes rose 0.5 percent from November to December, the strongest increase since March.
However, for the year, after-tax incomes adjusting for inflation turned in a weak 0.9 percent gain, just half the rise in 2010.
Consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of economic activity, was basically flat in December after weak gains of 0.1 percent in both October and November.
Many economists are hoping that more job gains in coming months will support incomes, helping the economy to grow at a faster rate.
The Associated Press
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