WASHINGTON (AP) — Steady declines in applications for unemployment aid are pointing to another strong month of hiring in February.

A healthy job market normally drives faster growth. But Americans' after-tax income actually fell in January, which led to a fourth straight month of weak consumer spending.

The mixed data highlighted a flurry of reports Thursday that suggest the recovery will stay bumpy. Manufacturing growth slowed and construction spending dipped, while auto and retail sales both climbed.

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