A key index of United States prices ticked higher in April, and consumer spending rebounded, a sign that inflationary pressures in the economy remain high.The index, which is called personal consumption expenditures price index and is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve, showed that prices rose 0.4 percent from March to April. That was much higher than the 0.1 percent rise the previous month. Measured year over year, prices increased 4.4 percent in April, up from 4.2 percent in March. The year-over-year figure is down sharply from a 7 percent peak last June but remains far above the Fed’s 2 percent target.Friday’s report from the government showed that despite rising prices, consumers remain buoyant. Their spending jumped 0.8 percent from March to April, the biggest increase since January. Much of the increase was driven by spending on new cars, which soared 6.2 percent. Among other items, Americans also bought more computers, petrol and clothing.
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