WASHINGTON — U.S. personal income was essentially unchanged in April, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Personal income decreased by less than $0.1 billion, or less than 0.1 percent at a monthly rate, the BEA said in its release on May 28. Disposable personal income fell $19.9 billion, or 0.1 percent, while personal consumption expenditures rose $111.1 billion, or 0.5 percent.
The flat reading in personal income followed a 0.5 percent increase in March. Economists had anticipated some growth, but the result was pulled down by declines in farm proprietors’ income and other proprietors’ income.
Compensation of employees provided some offset, with wages and salaries rising. The personal saving rate stood at 2.6 percent in April, down from the prior month.
The data come as the Federal Reserve and policymakers monitor consumer finances amid ongoing inflation and interest rate considerations. Personal income figures are a key indicator of household financial health and potential spending power.
“Personal income held steady amid mixed signals in various income components,” a BEA official noted in accompanying materials. The report also highlighted continued resilience in consumer spending despite the softness in income growth.
April’s figures mark a pause after several months of gains earlier in the year. Revisions to prior months were modest. The BEA releases these estimates monthly, with the next report covering May data scheduled for June 25.
Analysts track these releases alongside other indicators such as employment and inflation data. The BEA cautioned that initial estimates are subject to later revision as more complete information becomes available.
As of June 24, markets and economists awaited the May personal income and outlays report. No major shifts in the broader economic picture were immediately attributed to the April figures alone. The BEA continues to publish detailed breakdowns by income type and spending category.
