FROM AUTOS TO NEW HOMES, CONSUMERS ARE GOING WHOLE HOG.

The article forecasts the household spending in the U.S., which is predicted to be stronger than expected. It is indicated that real consumer spending on goods and services has increased by 0.6%. They concentrated their purchases in automobiles, computers, furniture, and recreation. Sales of new single-family homes has also reached 8.6% in January 1997. The strong job markets and low inflation stabilized their purchasing power.