Retail sales rise more than expected

[HughMoran]

Report raises optimism that consumers can help sustain the recovery

Russel A. Daniels / AP

Retail sales rose more than expected in November, boosting hopes that the all-important consumer sector will support the fragile recovery.

WASHINGTON - Retail sales rose more than expected in November, boosting hopes that the all-important consumer sector will support the fragile recovery.

The government's report came as a surprise because the nation's retailers have been reporting generally lackluster results for the start of the holiday shopping season and consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of overall economic activity.

But retail sales rose 1.3 percent last month, after a 1.1 percent October gain, the Commerce Department said Friday. It was the biggest advance since sales jumped 2.4 percent in August, and more than double the 0.6 percent increase economists had expected.

...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34377758/ns/business-retail/

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Figured I'd post some good news just for kicks. Feel free to harangue me for posting it and by all means show your displeasure by unreccing this thread.

[TexasObserver]

1. Recommend

[havocmom]

2. Have noticed prices are up up up

So the numbers seem questionable

[HughMoran]

3. Other posts are depressing

I'm kicking this