As the economy has slowed customers have become more concerned about price.

If consumer spending falls, the probability of the economy slipping back into recession is very high.

It's more good news for Washington's economy.

The survey shows that the economy is getting stronger and there is a wide variety of jobs available for all levels of education and skill. That's good news for people who are looking for work or looking to move up.

We live in an information and knowledge-based economy.

This reinforces the role of business investment and exports as underpinning the recovering economy. Looking ahead, the oil price presents a clear negative for the consumer and we're likely to see only a moderate pace of growth being sustained.