Retail sales in November 2011 slump unexpectedly, 'economists' predicted .6 gain over October, only got .2

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12/13/11, "Retail Sales in U.S. Climbed Less Than Forecast; Pace Slows," Bloomberg

"U.S. retail sales rose in November at the slowest pace in five months, indicating faster job growth may be needed to spark the biggest part of the economy.

The 0.2 percent gain in sales followed a 0.6 percent advance in October that was more than initially reported, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. Economists projected a 0.6 percent November increase, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey. Purchases excluding automobiles also rose 0.2 percent."...

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