Retail sales sparkle in November

Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:00:56 -0500

RETAIL SALES SPARKLE IN NOVEMBER
U.S. retail sales rose an encouraging 1.3% in November, marking the
third increase in the past four months, according to the Commerce
Department.

RETAIL STOCKS CHEERED BY SALES, SENTIMENT DATA
Retail stocks rise in early activity after data shows U.S. retail
sales rose a better-than-expected 1.3% in November while consumer
sentiment soared in early
December.

HOLIDAY MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET?
Holiday shopping news up to now had us all expecting another grim year
was already in the books. But November's retail-sales data raises the
prospect of a health season for the industry and consumers alike.

CONSUMERS CHEER UP IN EARLY DECEMBER
Consumer sentiment improved markedly in December, according to reports
on the University of Michigan/Reuters index.

STOCKS GAIN AFTER POSITIVE REPORTS ON CONSUMERS
Stocks and the dollar stage rallies, as Friday morning's reports on
the consumer point to an improving economy.