U.S. real consumer spending drops sixth time in seven months

Date: Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:01:29 -0500
U.S. real consumer spending drops sixth time in seven months

As U.S. real consumer spending falls for the sixth time in seven
months, Americans' savings rate grows, December data compiled by the
Commerce Department show.

MATTEL TO SHRINK TOY LINES AFTER PROFIT FALLS 46%

Mattel's fourth-quarter profit falls 46%, as toy maker cites ongoing
economic slump. Shares tumble 15% in early trading.

ECONOMIC REPORT: ISM FACTORY INDEX BOUNCES OFF LOWS IN JAN.

The nation's manufacturing sector contracted again in January, but at
a less rapid pace than the prior two months, the Institute for Supply
Management reports.

GM SEEKS $7 BILLION IN TAX RELIEF FROM CONGRESS: REPORT

General Motors Corp. is struggling to avoid a $7 billion tax
associated with a U.S. Treasury Department plan to give much of the
troubled company's outstanding stock to debt holders, the United Auto
Workers union and the federal government, according to a published
report.

BRITISH SNOW STORM COULD BE TOUGH ON TEETERING FIRMS

London's transport system may not be the only victim of Britain's
biggest snow storm in 18 years, an economist said Monday.