Jeanna Smialek

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton elaborated on her economic growth strategy in Michigan on Thursday, just days after Republican candidate Donald Trump put forward his own ideas.

Consumer spending climbed by $20.4 billion at an annualized rate adjusted for inflation in February, and $13 billion of the increase came from outlays on health services spurred by the ACA, according to Commerce Department data.

As the debate rages on whether an increase in the U.S. minimum wage will boost or hinder hiring, one aspect is more unambiguous. It would almost surely lift consumer spending.