Frigid February Saps Spending as U.S. Consumers Stay Home

By Bloomberg

Consumer spending barely rose in February as frigid temperatures kept households away from malls and automobile dealerships, adding to signs the U.S. economy slowed at the start of 2015.
The 0.1 percent gain in purchases followed a 0.2 percent drop in January, according to Commerce Department data issued Monday in Washington. Adjusted for inflation, spending declined for the first time in almost a year. Another report showed pending home sales climbed.
Car showrooms, restaurants and clothing stores were among places wanting for customers as Americans fought the chill by huddling at home. While warmer weather may soon bring out more shoppers, steady gains in payrolls have yet to push up wages, which would help bolster bigger gains in outlays.