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[Zephyr]

Gallup US Consumer Spending Measure
Released On 3/3/2014 8:30:00 AM For Feb, 2014
Prior Actual
level 78 $87
Highlights
After a larger-than-usual post-holiday drop by their own reports, Americans began to spend more freely in February, resulting in the strongest February numbers since 2008. Americans' self-reported daily spending rebounded in February to an average $87, after a sharp post-holiday decline to $78 in January. The February 2014 average is slightly better than that for February 2013 ($83) and the strongest February since 2008. February spending typically matches or exceeds January spending, which could be because consumers usually pull back in January after spending relatively more during the Christmas holiday season. The $9 increase between January and February this year ties 2008 as the highest January-to-February increase in the seven years Gallup has tracked daily spending. To some degree, this increase could be attributed to harsh winter weather holding back January spending, with consumers making up for it in February.