Finding a Better Balance at Year-End
· The majority of recent economic reports easily exceed the cautious expectations laid out for the holiday season and the fourth quarter.
· The JOLTS reported a slight pickup in job openings during October. The number of open positions is higher than at any time since the recession ended.
· Retail sales rose 0.7 percent in November, and sales for the prior month were revised higher. The better sales figures should alleviate fears about the holiday shopping season.
· Business inventories rose more than expected in October.