China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Retail sales for November grew the most in four months, up 0.2 percent. This modest increase is less than expectations but above October's 0.1 percent figure. However, excluding gas and autos the figure was up a robust 0.6 percent, a definitive reversal of several months of weakness.
Eight of the 13 primary categories in retail improved last month. (Clothing, bars, and restaurants led the way as consumers realized that they didn't have anything to wear and they could use a drink!) Analysts conclude this recent hike in spending is due to a strong labor market that has put millions back to work and a solid increase in holiday shopping.
"Wages are expected to grow in the upcoming months and further strengthen consumer spending. Consumers are the driving force of any economy and this report confirms the role the consumers play in retail sector", says Voya Global Perspective.
