U.S. consumer spending, housing data bolster economic outlook

[McFurd]

Reuters - 1/30/2017 - Lucia Mutikani - U.S. consumer spending accelerated in December as households bought motor vehicles and cold weather boosted demand for utilities amid a rise in wages, pointing to sustained domestic demand that could spur economic growth in early 2017. There are also signs that inflation firmed last month. The growth outlook was further bolstered by other data on Monday showing a jump in contracts to buy previously owned homes. A strengthening economy, rising price pressures and tightening labor market could allow the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at least three times this year. ead more @ http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-e ... SKBN15E1GK