Stocks are up modestly in mid-day trading as the government reports a larger-than-expected increase in consumer spending last month. Investors also continue to watch developments overseas. In the last economic data, real disposable income declined in February as consumer prices jumped by the largest amount since July 2008, the Commerce Department reported Monday. The personal consumption expenditure index rose 0.4% in February and the core PCE price index, which excludes food and energy prices, was up 0.2% for the second straight month. The government also reported that real personal incomes fell 0.1% in February for the first time since last September, MarketWatch said. Nominal consumer spending increased 0.7% in February and nominal personal income rose 0.3%. Income growth was in line with expectations and spending was slightly higher than forecast. The savings rate fell to 5.8% in February from 6.1% in January. Also, the National Association of Realtors said its index of sales agreements for previously owned homes rose 2.1% in February.Commodities are lower as April gold contracts are down $7, or 0.51%, to $1,420 an ounce while May crude oil contacts are down 0.75%, or $0.79, at $104.60 a barrel.