US consumer confidence rose for the first time in six months in November, according to a University of Michigan survey. The university's sentiment index increased to 84.2 from 80.6 in October, although this was below the preliminary November reading of 85.0 and was less than analysts had expected Consumer activity accounts for two third of US GDP and the 80.6 October reading, which was the lowest level in nine years, sparked fears that consumer activity would stall, adversely affecting the economy's attempts to pull out of what the Federal Reserve has dubbed a "soft spot" The report follows the publication of figures today showing that consumer spending rose by 0.4pc in October, the fastest pace since July. Yesterday, the Conference Board reported its consumer confidence index rose to 84.1 in November from 79.6 in October, the first increase in six months Elsewhere today, the Chicago Purchasing Management Association said its closely watched index of regional manufacturing activity rose to 54.3 in November from a nine month low of 45.9 in October. A reading above 50 signals expansion in the sector //www.fxcentre.com