A government Commerce Department report says spending increased by six-tenths of a percent in September, even though incomes increased less than projected.

　　Consumer spending drives much of the economic activity in the United States, and Friday's figures followed a report Thursday that said the U.S. economy was growing at a 2.5 percent annual rate.

　　The spending and growth figures were supported by a private report showing that consumer confidence in the economy was slightly higher in September, increasing hope that the U.S. economy can avoid another recession and continue a slow recovery.