FX.co ★ Real US Personal Spending Rises Just 0.1% in April

Inflation-adjusted US personal spending rose 0.1% month-over-month in April 2026, easing from an upwardly revised 0.3% gain in March, as consumers showed signs of more cautious demand.

Goods spending slipped 0.1%, following a 0.8% increase in March. Within this category, outlays on motor vehicles and parts fell 1.1% (after a 3.5% rise in March), while spending on clothing and footwear declined 0.9% (vs. a 0.2% drop previously). Recreational goods and vehicles registered a fifth consecutive monthly decline, slipping 0.5% after a 0.6% decrease in March.

By contrast, spending on services picked up, advancing 0.2% after a 0.1% increase in March. The acceleration was led by recreation services (up 1.1% vs. 0.2%), financial services and insurance (0.2% vs. 0.1%), food services and accommodations (0.2% vs. flat in March), and healthcare (0.1% vs. flat previously).