Retail sales for November grew the most in four months, up 0.2 percent. This modest increase is less than expectations but above October's 0.1 percent figure. However, excluding gas and autos the figure was up a robust 0.6 percent, a definitive reversal of several months of weakness.
Eight of the 13 primary categories in retail improved last month. (Clothing, bars, and restaurants led the way as consumers realized that they didn't have anything to wear and they could use a drink!) Analysts conclude this recent hike in spending is due to a strong labor market that has put millions back to work and a solid increase in holiday shopping.
"Wages are expected to grow in the upcoming months and further strengthen consumer spending. Consumers are the driving force of any economy and this report confirms the role the consumers play in retail sector", says Voya Global Perspective.


Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Ease Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears
Brazil to Phase Out Gasoline Subsidy First as Diesel Support Stays Longer
Dollar Rebounds as Euro, Pound Slip Ahead of Fed Minutes, Yen Near Intervention Zone
Mary Daly Says AI Uncertainty Clouds Fed Rate Outlook Despite Restrictive Policy
U.S. Dollar Drops as Weak Jobs Data Boosts Fed Pause Bets, Yen Jumps on Intervention Talk
FxWirePro: Daily Commodity Tracker - 21st March, 2022
China Services PMI Beats Forecasts as Strong Demand Supports June Growth
Goldman Sachs Flags 3 Key Risks Ahead of Europe’s Earnings Season
Russia Stocks End Flat at Three-Year Low as MOEX Index Stalls, Gold Prices Climb
Asian Markets Slip as AI Earnings Season Looms, Oil Prices Fall Ahead of Key Fed Signals 



