Americans' incomes increased in September by more than expected, boosted by employment gains and helping to propel consumer spending at the end of the third quarter.

Personal incomes rose 0.9 percent from the prior month, following a 2.5 percent decline in August, a Commerce Department report showed Friday. That compared with estimates for a 0.4 percent gain. Household outlays advanced 1.4 percent, also exceeding forecasts.

The figures add color to Thursday's report on gross domestic product (GDP), which showed personal spending rose by an annualized 40.7 percent in the quarter, by far the most on record. The economic recovery's strength has consistently surprised over the past several months, thanks in part to a resilient consumer.

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