July gain marked third monthly increase in consumer spending
It was the first monthly spending increase since the pandemic hit
Americans who have applied for unemployment has topped 1 million for 19 straight weeks
Reading fell from June but remains above the April low
Plus, a recent poll reveals Canadians' top financial priorities
Estimates suggest that retail sales increased by 24.5% in June
Retail gains in recent months may be short-lived
For the first time this year, spending outpaced last year's levels, RBC reports
The economic shutdown in March helped rein in consumer spending, Equifax says
The spending decline was far worse than the 6.9% drop in March