(RTTNews) - With an increase in compensation largely offset by a decrease in government benefits, the Commerce Department released a report on Friday showing U.S. personal income was virtually unchanged in the month of January. "And the rapid improvement in the public health situation has set the stage for robust consumption growth ahead, with the rotation of spending towards services likely to regain some traction." A reading on inflation said to be preferred by the Federal Reserve showed the annual rate of core consumer price growth accelerated to 5.2 percent in January from 4.9percent in December.