ECONOMY

Personal Income Up Modestly: The September rise in Americans’ income followed a strong gain in August and sets the stage for a welcome burst of holiday shopping. Income edged 0.2% higher last month after a 1.3% jump in August, bringing personal income to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $5.44 trillion, the Commerce Department said. Income advances, coupled with low inflation, should translate into strong year-end purchasing power for consumers, analysts said. Consumer spending was fitful early this year, but it has increased for six consecutive months, rising 0.3% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $4.43 trillion.