US DATA: July MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse said “Apparel
continued to show gains, while housing-related sectors like Electronics,
Appliances, and Furniture remained in negative territory. Lastly, Auto
Parts and Service posted its first decline after five months of growth”
— mixed results reflect poor hsg outlook and high gas prices.
Highlights incl ecommerce +14.0% YOY, Luxury Index (ex Jewelry) +11.6%
YOY.