Americans Seen Getting Spending Groove Back in 2015: Economy

A strengthening labor market and lower gasoline prices mean Americans have extra cash for the holidays. Some economists are forecasting the money will keep flowing into, and out of, consumers’ pockets next year.

Household spending in 2015 will realize the type of gain typically associated with rosier economic times, according to economists including Mark Zandi. Instead of growing at the 2.2 percent average seen so far during this expansion, increases will be more in line with the 2.9 percent seen in the six years through 2007, if not the 4 percent surge during the record 10-year boom that ended in March 2001.