Americans’ confidence retreated for a second week as consumers’ assessment of the buying climate deteriorated on the heels of higher fuel prices, Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures showed Sept. 14.

A pickup in consumer confidence to the second-highest level since late 2000 provide a basis for steady gains in spending, according to figures Aug. 29 from the New York-based Conference Board.

Consumer confidence, including views about the U.S. economy, advanced again last week to a 16-year high, indicating spending will remain solid, according to Bloomberg Consumer Comfort data released Aug. 24.

U.S. retail sales advanced in July by the most this year, with widespread gains from department stores to building materials outlets that signal a robust start to consumer spending in the third quarter, according to Commerce Department figures released Aug. 15.

WASHINGTON — Consumer prices posted a slight gain in July, with higher costs for medical care and clothing offsetting declines for hotel stays and consumer cellphone plans.

Americans last week registered their strongest optimism in 16 years on more upbeat views about the state of the economy, their personal finances and the buying atmosphere, according to Bloomberg News Consumer Comfort data released Aug. 10

Less enthusiasm about prospects for the U.S. economy and personal finances sent consumer sentiment to a nine-month low in July, survey data from the University of Michigan showed July 28.

A federally appointed working group on household goods tackled recommendations for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that aim to better inform consumers of moving fraud and streamline paperwork for brokerage and moving companies.

The U.S. economy’s first-quarter growth was less tepid than previously reported, as consumer spending and trade added more to expansion.

U.S. retail sales fell in May by the most since the start of 2016, reflecting broad declines in categories such as motor vehicles and electronics, Commerce Department figures showed June 14.