Consumer Spending Rose Strongly In January, Reports Mastercard

Mastercard reported strong growth in consumer spending in January, normally a retrenchment month for consumer spending. Mastercard reported overall retail sales through its cardholders, excluding automobiles and gasoline, rose 9.2% year-over-year this January. The card-issuer’s monthly SpendingPulse survey measures both in-store and online purchases. Spending rose in all 50 states, but more in the southern…