Scant momentum in the pace of hiring, limited income gains and rising mortgage rates are holding back consumers.

The share of consumers expecting the economy to worsen fell in February to an almost two-year low as Americans looked beyond harsh winter weather.

Applications for unemployment benefits held near a six-week low, showing firings remain muted following the holidays.

Companies added more workers than projected in December as U.S. employers grew more optimistic about the prospects for demand, a private report based on payrolls showed today.

Workers are clinging to their jobs as prospects fade for higher-paying employment. Households are socking away more money and charging less on credit cards. And young adults are living with their parents longer rather than venturing out on their own.