The U.S. Treasury deficit stood at $121.7 billion for October. Retail sales increased 0.3% in October. Business inventories are up 0.3% for September. Initial jobless claims rose 12,000 to 290,000 for the week ended 11/8.

• The U.S. Treasury deficit stood at $121.7 billion for October. This reflects benefit payments for the military, veterans, social security and Medicare as Nov. 1 fell on a weekend this year. The deficit is larger than the $90.6 billion deficit for October last year.
• Retail sales increased 0.3% in October. Sales less autos are up 0.3% as well, and sales less autos & gas are up 0.6%.
• Business inventories are up 0.3% for September.

Initial jobless claims rose 12,000 to 290,000 for the week ended November 8^th.