<p>Consumer <u>spending</u> has risen significantly during the past six months, leading to a nationwide economic recovery.</p>
<p>The correct answer is <strong>(A) spending</strong>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">The phrase "Consumer spending" together acts as a noun phrase that refers to the overall amount of money that consumers are spending.</span><br></p>
<p>Options (B), (C), and (D) are incorrect because they do not match the tense or form of the verb that is needed in this sentence.</p><p>Option (B) "spend" is the base form of the verb, not the gerund form that is needed.</p><p>Option (C) "spent" is the past tense form of the verb, which does not match the present tense of the verb "has risen".</p><p>Option (D) "spends" is the present tense form of the verb, but it does not match the gerund form that is needed to function as a noun in this sentence.</p>