After a big move upward in our February survey, ChangeWave’s latest survey shows a very slight uptick in U.S. consumer spending for March. ChangeWave Research is a service of 451 Research.

Even as spending continues to improve, the March 4-19 survey of 2,196 U.S. consumers shows confidence and expectations ticking slightly lower. Rising concerns over higher energy costs and inflation, as well as the government sequester issue and associated uncertainty appear largely to blame.

Spending for most major retailers is little changed compared to February – though Walmart is showing the first uptick in four months. And for the second consecutive month, Travel/ vacation and household repairs are registering spending improvements.

The complete report is available here.