US consumer spending picks up speed in October

US consumer spending picked up pace in October, despite a dip in income, the Commerce Department reported on Friday. Consumer spending rose 0.3 percent in October, matching the average estimate, accelerating slightly from a 0.2 percent in increase in September. Personal income fell 0.1 percent instead of the 0.3 percent rise expected by most analysts. The October 1-16 partial government shutdown had no impact on government wages and salaries because Congress authorized back pay for federal workers furloughed during the shutdown, the department said.