RETAIL SALES

U.S. producer prices jumped a surprising 1.8 percent last month and industrial output rose firmly, sparking inflation jitters in financial markets.

The Dow and S&P 500 closed up for a third straight session on Friday after several solid consumer-related reports reinforced investors' confidence in a steady recovery by the economy.

Consumers stepped up their spending in November and grew more optimistic this month, unexpectedly strong data showed on Friday, raising hopes a self-sustaining economic recovery was starting to unfold.

The Dow and S&P 500 closed up for a third straight session on Friday after several solid consumer-related reports reinforced investors' confidence in a steady recovery by the economy.

The Dow and S&P 500 rose on Friday as a stronger-than-expected retail sales for November reinforced investors' confidence in a steady recovery of the economy.

U.S. consumers stepped up their spending in November and grew more optimistic this month, unexpectedly strong data showed on Friday, raising hopes a self-sustaining economic recovery was starting to unfold.

The Dow and S&P cut early gains on Friday on strength in the U.S. dollar, while the Nasdaq turned negative after disappointing quarterly results from a semiconductor company pressured tech stocks.

U.S. consumers felt better in December, as the job market shows signs of improvement and retailers dangle steep discounts to goose up holiday sales, a survey released on Friday showed.

The Dow cut early gains on Friday, pressured by strength in the U.S. dollar, while declines in shares of large cap technology companies dragged the Nasdaq into the red.

Stocks rose on Friday as reports pointing to steadying consumer demand supported optimism that the burgeoning economic recovery will be sustainable.

U.S. consumers stepped up their spending in November and grew more optimistic this month, data showed on Friday, raising hopes a self-sustaining economic recovery was starting to unfold.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose more than expected in November as consumers stepped up spending on gasoline and a wide range of other goods, data showed on Friday, raising hopes of a self-sustaining economic recovery.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose more than expected in November as consumers stepped up spending on gasoline and a wide range of other goods, data showed on Friday, raising hopes of a self-sustaining economic recovery.

Stocks were set to open higher on Friday after data showed retail sales rose more than expected last month, supporting optimism the burgeoning economic recovery would be sustainable.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose more than expected in November as consumers spent more on gasoline and a wide range of other goods, data showed on Friday, raising hopes of a self-sustaining economic recovery.

Stock index futures rose on Friday as investors awaited data that could provide a look at the health of the consumer, including reports on retail sales and consumer sentiment.

Stock index futures pointed to a higher opening for Wall Street on Friday ahead of U.S. retail sales data, with futures for the S&P 500, Dow Jones industrial average and Nasdaq 100 up 0.4 to 0.7 percent at 4:37 a.m. EST.

Stock index futures pointed to a higher opening for Wall Street on Friday ahead of U.S. retail sales data, with futures for the S&P 500, Dow Jones industrial average and Nasdaq 100 up 0.4 to 0.7 percent at 0937 GMT.

Forex traders formulate their trading strategies based upon technical indicators and fundamental or macroeconomic indicators. If a trader favors the fundamental approach, he'll be glued to daily, monthly, and quarterly economic reports to help him determine his next trading strategy. In fact, most online trading systems provide daily business journal news any time, day or night. One of the main areas that are analyzed for strategic planning is the retail sales indicator.

Japan led a slide in Asian stock markets on Wednesday as worries about the strength of a global recovery prompted investors to trim some bets ahead of the year end, while the euro picked up from a one-month low on bargain hunting.

Asian stocks slid and government bonds mostly rose on Wednesday after U.S. corporate news increased worries on export demand and debt rating downgrades sent investors seeking safety ahead of the year end.