Salient to Investors:

Scott Anderson at Bank of the West says the economy is in a soft patch, with consumer spending suggesting moderate growth and resilience in auto sales and building materials a bright spot.

Carl Riccadonna at Deutsche Bank Securities said lasting damage is being done by the threat of the fiscal cliff.

Read the full article at http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-23/spending-probably-stagnated-as-prices-rose-u-s-economy-preview.html