Summary Box: US consumer spending slowed in March

SPENDING GROWTH SLOWS: Americans increased their spending more slowly in March. U.S. consumer spending rose 0.3 percent, one-third of the 0.9 percent February gain.

INCOME RISES: Income grew 0.4 percent in March. But after-tax income when adjusted for inflation increased just 0.2 percent following two months of declines.

OUTLOOK: Economists are worried that consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of economic activity, could slow in coming months unless income gains accelerate.