1.   To be sure, retail spending figures released last week, also were stronger than expected.

2.   Auto sales, as measured by registrations of vehicles with the government, are closely monitored by economists because they are the first consumer spending numbers released each month.

3.   Auto sales, as measured by registrations of vehicles with the government, are closely monitored by economists as they are the first consumer spending numbers released each month.

4.   Auto sales, as measured by vehicle registrations with the government, are closely monitored by economists since they are the first consumer spending numbers released each month.