2026.04.3012:30:00UTC+00U.S. Real Personal Consumption Growth Cools Slightly in March

Real personal consumption in the United States grew by 0.2% in March 2026 on a month‑over‑month basis, easing from a 0.3% increase recorded in February 2026. The latest data, updated on 30 April 2026, indicate that consumer spending power—adjusted for inflation—continued to expand, but at a slightly slower pace than in the prior month.

The comparison is made on a month‑over‑month basis, meaning March’s 0.2% rise reflects the change from February to March, while February’s 0.3% gain measured the change from January to February. The moderation suggests that although U.S. consumers are still increasing their real spending, the momentum seen earlier in the year has softened somewhat heading into the spring.