The consumer price index rose 0.2% last month
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