Statement from U.S. Commerce Department Chief Economist Mark Doms on Personal Income and Outlays in July 2011
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis today released data on personal income and outlays for July 2011. Personal income rose 0.3 percent in July, slightly below private-sector forecasts of a 0.4-percent increase, though personal income in both May and June was revised upward. Wages and salaries, the largest component of income, rose 0.4 percent. Real consumer spending jumped 0.5 percent, consistent with expectations, representing the largest monthly increase in real consumer spending since August 2009. Spending was boosted by consumer purchases of motor vehicles and higher home electricity costs due to warmer weather.