WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (UPI) —
U.S. consumer spending — with disposable income flat — fell 0.2 percent in October, the Commerce Department said Friday.
Consumers spent $20.2 billion less than they did in the previous month as incomes rose by $400 million, a gain of less than 0.1 percent, and disposable income increased by $800 million, also less than 0.1 percent.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis said Hurricane Sandy disrupted jobs, which caused a dip in payroll figures.
Payrolls at goods-producing companies fell by $3.6 billion while service-oriented firms experienced a $13.5 billion drop in payroll expenses.
Wages and salaries rose in the public sector by $100 million, a fraction of the $1.7 billion gain in the previous month.
By comparison, incomes rose by 0.4 percent in September, or by $47.8 billion. Consequently, spending in September rose 0.8 percent, or by $84 billion, the bureau said, releasing revised figures.