Berlin - German investor confidence posted a surprise increase in November, a key indicator released Tuesday showed, with the survey representing a key test of sentiment in Europe's biggest economy amid the fallout from the world financial crisis.

Drawn up by the Mannheim-based Centre for European Economic Research, the ZEW index rose to minus 53.5 rebounding from minus 63 in October after signs that an element of calm has returned to global share markets after weeks of chaotic selling.

Analysts had forecast that the indicator would essentially remain at minus 63 in October.

Also helping to steady the nerves of investors has been the 50- billion-euro (65 billion dollar) economic stimulus plan and the 500-billion-euro bank rescue package unveiled by Chancellor Angela Merkel's government in recent weeks.

However, the indicator still remains well below its historical average of 27.1 points.

The release of the ZEW survey comes after the index plunged in October amid deepening economic fears and following a share market sell off.

In particular, the survey helps sets the stage for the release later this month of Germany's closely watched Ifo business confidence survey. (dpa)