Manufacturing, Spending Probably Gained: U.S. Economy Preview

Manufacturing probably accelerated for a fourth straight month in February, consumer confidence improved and Americans picked up the pace of spending a month earlier, economists said reports this week will show.

The Institute for Supply Management’s factory index rose to an eight-month high of 54.5 from 54.1 in January, according to the median estimate of 62 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Readings above 50 signal growth. Consumer purchases in January rose 0.4 percent, the most in four months, another report may show.