11.   But are growing household debt levels threatening the ability of consumers to spend their way to a soft landing?

12.   Consumer spending, for example, has been restrained by slow income growth and rising household debt.

13.   Domestic demand, encouraged by low interest rates, had gained too much weight in the economy, he said, inflating household debt and swelling external deficits.

14.   Economists say spending may continue to slow in the months ahead as household debt burdens grow.

15.   Gov. Lawrence Lindsey, who expressed concern about signs of sluggishness in the economy and rising household debt.

16.   High levels of household debt could restrain consumer spending in the months ahead, analysts said.

17.   High levels of household debt and rising loan delinquencies will probably put a damper on consumer spending -- and the overall economy -- in the months ahead.

18.   High levels of household debt are constraining consumer spending and capital spending by U.S. businesses is expected to slow.

19.   However, high levels of household debt could restrain consumer spending in the months ahead, analysts said.

20.   Household debt has risen to record levels today as a percentage of the personal income available to repay the debt.