U.S. personal spending rises 0.1% in February

The U.S. Commerce Department released personal spending and income figures on Monday. Personal spending climbed 0.1% in February, in line with expectations, after a 0.1% increase in January. January's figure was revised down from a 0.5% gain.

The lower spending was driven by a drop in spending on goods. Spending on goods slid 0.7% in February, while spending on services rose 0.4%.

Consumer spending makes more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. Consumer spending grew 2.0% in the fourth quarter, after a 3.0% increase in the third quarter.

This data suggests that American consumers remained cautious.

The saving rate increased to 5.4% in February from 5.3% in January. It was the highest level since 2012.

Personal income increased 0.2% in February, exceeding expectations for 0.1% rise, after a 0.5% gain in January.

The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index excluding food and energy rose 0.1% in February, missing forecasts of a 0.2% increase, after a 0.3% gain in January.

On a yearly basis, the PCE price index excluding food and index remained unchanged at 1.7% in February.

The PCE index is below the Fed's 2% inflation target. The PCE index is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation.