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"The North American economy remained robust overall thanks to the consumption of high-income earners, despite a persistently inflationary, elevated interest rate and deteriorating employment environment," Seven & I Holdings said in an earnings release. "In this context, there was a more prudent approach to consumption, particularly among middle- and low-income earners."

'High earners should live on council estates' By George Jones, Political Editor Last Updated: 1:50am GMT 21/02/2007 Higher earners should live alongside poorer households to achieve a better mix in housing, a Government-commissioned report said yesterday. Prof John Hills said housing policy should be changed to avoid having "rich people on one side and poorer people on the other side of the tracks". In a report to Ruth Kelly, the Communities Secretary, he suggested that the complete redevelopment of estates might some times be "the only alternative". He also called for social landlords to buy housing in other areas and...