Consumer Spending Increases in August

Washington, DC, Sept. 28, 2012 -- Consumer spending rose in August even though incomes barely grew, according to the Commerce Department.

Much of the spending increase resulted from higher gas prices.

The government said that consumer spending rose 0.5% in August from July. It was the biggest jump since February.

Spending on durable goods rose 0.3%, helped by gains in auto sales. Spending on services rose 0.2%.

Income rose 0.1% in August.