Article: Stronger U.S. consumer spending seen in spring.(Originated from Knight-Ridder Financial News)

WASHINGTON _ The slowdown in consumer spending early this year may have been a short-term lull exaggerated by special factors, and consumers should become more willing to open their wallets this spring, several economists said.

Continued healthy income growth and optimism about job prospects should support a pickup in consumer outlays, these economists say.

Also, an acceleration in the processing of income tax refunds, which have been delayed earlier this year, should contribute to a revival in consumer spending, some forecasters said.

If that forecast is correct, it could throw cold water on the theory that the economy is in the midst of a fundamental ...

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