U.S. retail sales data point to slower economic growth

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumer spending barely rose in January as households cut back on purchases of a range of goods, suggesting the economy started the first quarter on a softer note. Sluggish spending came despite cheap gasoline and a buoyant labor market, leaving economists to speculate that consumers were using the extra income to pay down debt and boost savings. "There is a risk of a temporary soft patch for the economy as it is somewhat surprising the consume