Consumer spending down in June

Washington, D.C. -- A Tuesday report from the Commerce Department showed that consumer spending dropped 0.2% in June, to $21.9 billion. Personal income was virtually flat for the month, increasing 0.1% to $18.7 billion, which was in line with estimates. “Today’s personal income data shows that consumers had a little more money in their pockets in June, as incomes increased and prices – particularly gas prices -- dropped,” Commerce Department chief economist Mark Doms said. “With an agreement to raise the debt ceiling and avoid default in place, business and consumer confidence is more likely to strengthen, raising the