US retail sales rose almost twice as much as analysts had been expecting in November, signalling a return of consumer confidence with strong buying after Thanksgiving and in the run-up to Christmas.
Sales were up 1.3% last month, according to government statistics, far better than the 0.6% to 0.7% increase which analysts had been predicting. Sales growth in the previous month, however, were revised slightly downwards - from a 1.4% increase to a 1.1% increase.
Sales were boosted by a 6% increase in sales at the petrol pump, reflecting high prices, while motor vehicle purchases were also on the up in November with sales of cars and car parts up 1.6% after a 7.1% increase in October.
But stripping out petrol and car sales, underlying retail sales were still up 0.6%, their fourth consecutive monthly gain.
Consumers flocked to the shops on 'black Friday' - the day after Thanksgiving which while not a government sanctioned holiday is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year as people take the day off and start their Christmas shopping.
Appliance and electricals sales were up 2.8% while online sales were one of the fastest growing segments, up 1.2%.
The continued depressed state of the housing market, however, saw furniture sales in the red - down 0.7% - while clothing sales were also down.
The figures are expected to boost Wall Street when trading starts later today with US stock index futures gaining ground ahead of the opening bell.
