U.S. spending flatlined in February

National spending remained almost stationary in February, as U.S. consumption edged up by a scant $12 billion, a gain of only 0.1%, according to a Department of Commerce report released today. The lackluster performance reflects the uncertain economic conditions that have more and more consumers tightening purse strings. Personal incomes increased by $56 billion in February, a gain of 0.5%, while disposable incomes rose by $48.7 billion, also up 0.5%. Wages were also up, but at a reduced level from January. While wages bumped $14.8 billion in February, wages rose $21.9 billion in January. The service sector led the bump, with a $12 billion increase in wages throughout the sector. Revised estimates of January figures show a 0.4% bump in spending, while incomes and disposable incomes increased 0.3% and 0.4% respectively.