Reports show slower pace, firm economy
WASHINGTON -- The economy is still quite healthy, but it has shown enough evidence of slowing down to ease concerns about overheating.</br></br>Consumer spending has ebbed, and housing activity and car sales have</br></br>slowed since interest rates increased. Analysts say the manufacturing</br></br>sector is still quite strong. "Factories are showing real solid growth.</br></br>It is a real solid contributor to the economy," said Joseph Liro, chief