Consumer spending surpasses pre-recession peak Economic Report - MarketWatch

Boosted by spending on autos and other durable goods, real U.S. consumer spending increased 0.5 percent in March 2010, at last surpassing the pre-recession peak set in November 2007, the Commerce Department estimates.

After-tax, inflation-adjusted incomes increased 0.2 percent in the month, with transfer payments such as unemployment benefits accounting for much of the gain. The tepid income gains should hamper the economic recovery, economists say.

The latest data confirms the "good news, bad news" nature of the economic recovery: the economy is recovering, but slowly, and with little robustness on the jobs front.

Consumer spending surpasses pre-recession peak Economic Report - MarketWatch