Time for a check on consumer health
It's a critical time of year for the US consumer and with markets already in a delicate spot, upcoming data is especially critical.
The November US retail sales report is due on Friday and expected to rise 0.1% compared to a 0.8% jump in November.
One thing that will weigh on sales is the drop in gasoline prices in the month. That's a good thing, especially if consumers decide to spend it elsewhere. The key metric is the control group. which eliminates gasoline as well as volatile auto sales and building materials. It's the underlying metric of consumer strength and forecast up 0.3%.
Other data on the US calendar includes November industrial production and the December Markit preliminary manufacturing and services reports.
For more, check the economic calendar.
