US retail sales in November again rose by more than expected, according to official figures.

Sales rose 1.3%, the biggest gain in four months, the Commerce Department said, after retail sales in October climbed 1.1%.

Petrol sales jumped 6% and sales of cars, building materials and other goods helped push up the data.

Separate data also provided a boost for retailers, with the Michigan consumer confidence index rising sharply.

The preliminary reading of the closely-watched index rose by more than expected to 73.4 in December, up from a revised 67.4 in November.