Retail Spending Remains Flat

Retail spending, which fuels most of the domestic economy, was virtually unchanged in June for the fourth consecutive month as debt-weary consumers continued to shun expensive purchases, the Commerce Department reported today.

Sales edged up only 0.4% in June. Sales have not varied more than 0.5% up or down since February. Spending during the first six months of 1987 was down 0.1% from the last six months of 1986. Private economists said consumers have cut their buying because of low personal income growth and high debt burdens.