Consumer spending, personal income post gains in Nov.

WASHINGTON - U.S. consumer spending rebounded in November after a weak showing in October, while a key inflation gauge posted the fastest year-over-year increase in 11 months.

The Commerce Department says consumer spending increased 0.3% in November after an essentially flat reading in October and a 0.2% gain in September. Personal income rose a solid 0.3% in November, reflecting solid gains in wages and salaries, after a 0.4% October increase.

Economists are predicting that further improvement in the job market will support consumer spending in coming months.

A key inflation gauge was up 0.4% in November compared with a year ago, the biggest year-over-year jump since last December.

Inflation is being closely watched by the Federal Reserve to determine the pace for hiking interest rates.