Retail sales

Retail sales in the U.K. rose by 0.5 percent for the first time in three months during October, according to a report by the Office for National Statistics.

OnLive, a video game streaming company, will begin selling its small gaming console on Thursday for a promotional price of $99.

Target Corp, the No.2 discount chain in U.S. behind Walmart, reported 23 percent rise in its quarterly profit as the retailer's attractive discount schemes have drawn more shoppers to its stores.

U.S. industrial output remained unchanged in October, following a drop for the first time in September since the recession ended in June 2009, the Federal Reserve data showed on Tuesday.

S&P 500 Index is down 10.42 points, or 0.85 percent, to trade at 1,187.57 at 09:53 a.m. EDT. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 99.57 points, or 0.89 percent, to trade at 11,102.40. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 0.72 percent.

Retail giant Walmart reported 9 percent growth in its quarterly profit on strong sales at its international operations and raised its fiscal 2011 earnings outlook.

Futures on major U.S. stock indices point to lower opening on Tuesday, with futures on the S&P 500 down 0.59 percent, futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.54 percent and Nasdaq100 futures down 0.75 percent.

German sportswear giant Adidas announced on Monday to open more than 2,500 stores in smaller Chinese cities by 2015 aiming to tap the middle class market.

Stocks on major U.S. indices opened higher as takeovers and faster-than-estimated growth in retail sales fueled optimism in the economy.

U.S. retail and food services sales rose more than expected for the fourth consecutive month in October, mainly spurred by a rise in auto and other motor vehicle dealer sales, a report from the U.S. Commerce Department stated.

* GBP/USD immediate target downside around 1.60, next 1.58 * Sterling hit by weak housing data while dollar awaits better sales figures * US Fed's Lacker, Treasury's Brainard to speak on Monday

Futures on major U.S. indices point to a small rebound on Monday ahead of key monthly retail sales data.

US dollar strengthened across the board on Monday on expectations of good data signaling recovery, but investors are also cautious that any negative surprise could trigger market worries about more bond buyback by the Fed, sparking off the quantitative easing (QE3) talks.

Concerns over Europe's debt risks felled Australian and New Zealand dollars - Asia Pacific's major risky currencies - on Monday, while growing fears that China may raise rates further dampened the sentiment. Market is keen on any fresh developments from Europe, with many important EU officials, including Alex Weber of ECB, scheduled to speak on the first day of the Euro Finance Week held November 15-19 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Majestic Wine Plc, UK's largest wine warehouse chain, reported a 20 percent rise in first-half pretax profit as sales rose on substantial increase in active customers, and the company lifted its interim dividend by 17.9 percent to 3.3 pence.

Singapore's retail sales (seasonally adjusted) decreased 2.4 percent in September 2010 compared to August 2010, the Singapore Department of Statistics said in a statement.

The dust of G-20 has settled. World leaders sat around a large table set this time in South Korea, searched for that magic wand in their suit pockets, and then looked at each other's face with disappointment. They didn't get one to 'calm down' the emerging fears of a 'world war' on trade and currencies. They did not 'direct' China and/or US as some hoped.

Copper hit record highs in London and jumped to a 30-month high in New York on Thursday as strong Chinese data suggested higher demand for the metal by the world's biggest consumer.

Michael Yoshikami, president and chief investment officer of YCMNET Advisors in Walnut Creek, Calif. discusses what exactly QE is, why it may be needed and its potential impact.

Drug legalization could reduce government costs and raise tax revenues, but opponents worry over health and social ills