Consumer confidence held steady at 73.6 in March, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan index, even though forecasts expected it to fall slightly to 73.0. Americans who expect their incomes to increase over the next six months rose to 10.5% from 10.1% in February, and those expecting job growth in the next six months also increased, to 14.6% from 13.2%.rnConsumer dollars aren't leading the current rebound, however. Spending grew just 0.3% in February, down slightly from a 0.4% increase in January. Still, the increase is considered a positive indicator in the economic recovery, marking the fifth straight month consumer spending rose.
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