U.S. personal incomes grew by slightly less than expected in May but the slower than expected growth did not bring down consumer spending levels.
According to figures released Friday by the Commerce Department, U.S. personal income increased by $25.4 billion or 0.2 percent for May, with disposable incomes increasing by the same 0.2 percent margin.
Consumer spending, known more formally as personal consumption expenditures, decreased by $4.7 billion for the month, though, because that represents a decrease of less than 0.1 percent, Commerce Department figures record it as a 0.0 percent change.
Most economists had expected to see personal incomes rise slightly faster, forecasting a 0.3 percent increase, though the figures released for May matched the 0.2 percent growth in incomes recorded for April.
And while consumer spending held relatively level from April to May, new revisions to April consumer spending figures showed a drop to a 0.1 percent increase from the 0.3 percent increase initially reported.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.