US consumer spending up slightly, inflation at 4-year high

Spending on services — from haircuts to health care — was flat, and Americans spent less on long-lasting goods such as autos and appliances.

Surveys of consumers have shown a burst of optimism since the presidential election, yet that has only intermittently translated into more spending.

The Conference Board's consumer confidence index jumped to a 15-year high in February after a modest dip in the previous month.