Report signals strength

WASHINGTON -- Consumers spent heavily in February as their incomes increased solidly -- more signs that the U.S. economy is gaining strength after a brief recession.

The Commerce Department reported toay that spending by consumers, which accounts for two-thirds of all economic activity in the United States, increased 0.6 percent last month after jumping 0.5 percent in January.

At the same time, Americans' incomes, which include wages, interest and government benefits, also increased by 0.6 percent, the largest expansion since October 2000. Incomes rose 0.5 percent in January.

The data reinforce economists' view that the recession, which began last March, has ended.

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