As the nation looks for more signs of economic recovery, there were mixed signals on Friday as reports showed consumer spending rose slightly last month thanks in part to an increase in auto sales but incomes remained flat.

During the economic downturn, the American savings rate is rising fast, with some unexpected consequences. Paul Solman examines how the economy might suffer when thrifty consumers decide to save their money instead of spending it.

Tonight’s NewsHour features a piece called “The Paradox of Thrift.” The phrase refers to the potential downsides of squirreling money away, especially if all of us do it at once. While saving is often a good thing – and something…