Article updated: 12/21/2012 6:04 PM

Signs suggest better economy if ‘cliff’ is averted

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A person exits a business Tuesday with a "Closing Sale" sign, in Philadelphia. Spending has continued despite confidence among consumers sinking to its lowest point since July.

Associated Press

A cashier hands a customer his change and receipt during a transaction at a Sears store, in Henderson, Nev. Consumers spent and earned more in November.

Associated Press/Nov. 23, 2012

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Consumers spent and earned more in November. And for a second straight month, U.S. companies increased their orders for a category of manufactured goods that reflects investment plans.In light of the latest figures, some analysts said the economy could end up growing faster in the current October-December quarter — and next year — than they previously thought.