The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Dec. 27, edition that U.S. consumers increased their spending this holiday season. A New York Times dispatch to The Globe reports that retail sales from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24 increased 3.1 per cent from a year earlier, says Mastercard Spending-Pulse, which measures in-store and on-line retail sales across all forms of payment. The numbers, released Tuesday, are not adjusted for inflation. Spending increased across many categories, with restaurants experiencing the largest jump, 7.8 per cent. Apparel increased 2.4 per cent and groceries also had gains. The holiday sales figures, driven by a healthy labour market and wage gains, suggest the U.S. economy remains strong. The Federal Reserve's campaign to rein in high inflation has slowed the economy, but many economists believe a soft landing is within reach. Mastercard economist Michelle Meyer says, "What we're seeing during this holiday season is very consistent with how we're thinking about the economy, which is that it's an economy that is still very much expanding." Solid job growth is allowing people to spend more. Even though consumer prices have risen a lot in the past two years, wages have grown faster.