WASHINGTON – The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis today released data on personal income and outlays for May 2011.  Personal income rose 0.3 percent in May, slightly below private-sector forecasts of a 0.4-percent increase. Wages and salaries, the largest component of income, rose 0.2 percent, supported by a gain in hourly earnings.  Real consumer spending declined 0.1 percent, compared to private-sector expectations of a 0.1-percent increase, pulled down by a drop in motor vehicle purchases partly attributable to supply disruptions from the tsunami in Japan.

WASHINGTON – The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released data on new residential construction for May 2011. Permits for new housing units jumped 8.7 percent in May. Private-sector analysts had expected a 0.7 percent decline. Housing starts advanced 3.5 percent in May. Private-sector analysts had expected a 4.8 percent increase. Both permits and starts in April were revised up.

“While May’s housing data exceeded expectations, we recognize the imperative for a continued and full economic recovery that includes a healthy housing sector as well as continued job growth” said Locke. “This administration is committed to pursuing policies that will do just that, helping America win the future,” he said.

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WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis today released data on personal income and outlays for February 2011. Personal income increased 0.3 percent in February, nearly consistent with private-sector forecasts of a 0.4-percent increase. Wages and salaries rose a favorable 0.3 percent. Real consumer spending also increased 0.3 percent in February and has risen a moderate 1.0 percent at an annual rate above its fourth-quarter average. Additionally, personal income figures for both December and January were revised upward.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis today released data on personal income and outlays for January 2011. Personal income increased 1.0 percent in January, exceeding private-sector expectations of a 0.4-percent rise. Wages and salaries, the largest component of income, rose 0.3 percent, perhaps hampered by more severe than usual weather in some parts of the country. Real consumer spending edged down 0.1 percent in January but has already risen 0.8 percent at an annual rate above its fourth-quarter average.