1.   Both meant consumers spent more in an attempt to avoid paying higher sales tax.

2.   Wall Street seems to be ignoring other indications that consumers are spending less.

3.   Consumers are spending less and traders are feeling the pinch.

4.   It will raise fresh worries for the Government that the much hoped-for consumer spending upturn remains beyond the horizon.

5.   Also, there is some evidence that consumers are spending more, at least judging by sales at retail and department stores.

6.   American consumers are also spending more at discount retailers, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.

7.   Amid a debate over whether to allow President Fernando Henrique Cardoso to run for re-election, the government has hailed the boost in consumer spending.

8.   And because the economy is depressed, we want consumers to spend more, not less.

9.   Analysts said profit growth slowed in the second quarter as consumer spending was flat, in part because a drought hurt rural incomes.