RJ and Makay

After a severe recession, an increase in consumer spending would normally be cause for celebration because it suggests the economy's improving. But the 0.7% spike just reported for February by the Commerce Department isn't impressing many people, even though it's the largest consumer spending gain in four months.

Why? People spent more in February mainly because gas got a lot more expensive. In fact, half of February's 0.4% inflation uptick was due to energy costs, and economists worry that if those costs keep going up, they'll cut into household budgets enough that consumers won't be able to spend on items associated with economic growth.