Retail sales were up 0.2% in November.  The FOMC held constant its federal funds rate target.  Industrial production declined 0.2% in November.  The topline CPI was unchanged in November as the core CPI rose 0.2%.  The topline PPI increased 0.3% while the core PPI rose 0.1%.  Business inventories increased 0.8% in October.  The U.S. Treasury reported a deficit of $137.3 billion in November.  Initial jobless claims fell 19,000 to a level of 366,000 for the week ended 12/10.

• Retail sales rose by a lesser-than-anticipated 0.2% in November.
• The FOMC held constant its 0.0%-0.25% target for the federal funds rate.
• Industrial production unexpectedly fell 0.2% in November.  An increase of 0.2% had been expected.  This marks the first decline in seven months.
• The topline CPI was unchanged in November while the core CPI increased 0.2%.
• The topline PPI rose 0.3% in November while the core PPI increased 0.1%.
• Business inventories were up 0.8% in October.
• The U.S. Treasury reported a deficit of $137.3 billion in November.
• Initial jobless fell 19,000 to 366,000 for the week ended December 10^th. This marks the lowest level of claims since May 2008.  Continued low claims over the coming weeks (initial claims can be volatile from week to week) would mark a positive trend in the labor market.