The bottom line

Consumers continue to cut debt; February a good month for retailers; Sony closes New Jersey CD plant; Investors celebrate bull market; Wealthy in name, poor in spirit

Consumers continue to cut debt

U.S. households have cut their debt burden to the lowest point in six years. At $13.4 trillion, total consumer debt, including mortgages and credit cards, is equal to 116 percent of disposable income—well off the peak of 130 percent attained in 2007—and is the lowest proportion since the last quarter of 2004.

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