Personal Income, Spending Up Slightly

Washington, DC, May 26, 2006–Personal incomes rose 0.5 percent in April, according to the Commerce Department.

Personal spending for the month rose 0.6 percent.

After adjusting for inflation, spending increased 0.1 percent for a second month.

The gain reflected a 0.9 percent jump in wages and salaries, the largest since July 2005. Wages increased 0.5 percent in March and February.

Core inflation rose 0.2% in April after a 0.3% gain in March. Core inflation rose 2.1% in the past 12 months, the fastest gain since March 2005.