Smoke signals for economy harder to read Consumer spending, manufacturing may be on the softer side WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The U.S. economy is sending hazy signals again and the picture is unlikely to turn crystal clear this week.
First the good news. Sales of new homes probably pushed higher in January. Consumer confidence might perk up again. And updated government figures should show the economy grew in the fourth quarter instead of shrinking for the first time in three and a half years.