Bloomberg reported that Americans heartened by an improving labor market boosted spending in February at stores and malls by the most in five months, adding to signs that the world’s largest economy is gaining strength.

Bloomberg said the 1.1% advance in February followed a 0.6% increase in January that was larger than previously estimated, according to Commerce Department data. Sales rose in 11 of 13 categories, including auto dealers and clothing stores, showing gains in demand were broad based.

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