41.   But others say it illustrates how vulnerable the economy is to trouble, especially given that consumer spending has been the mainstay of growth for more than a year.

42.   But Prakken and most other forecasters expect the current second quarter to be weaker than the first, partly because consumers will spend less.

43.   But recession has been averted because consumers are still spending.

44.   But most analysts were reluctant to say that the Fed was finished raising rates, saying the strategy would depend on whether consumer spending picks up this spring.

45.   But the negative savings rate that has buoyed growth also concerns economists who fear consumers may be spending too much to maintain their lifestyles.

46.   But some local consumers are tentatively spending again.

47.   Capital investment and exports are helping offset a decline in consumer spending following the tax increase, Obata said.

48.   Central bankers are worried that increased consumer spending could lead to price pressures because there is little slack left in the economy.

49.   Central bank officials are concerned that such high increases in consumer spending threaten to push up prices.

50.   Chances are a consumer will spend some time on the telephone to register a complaint and seek a resolution.