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Retail Drops by Most Since 2009

Retail sales plummeted by the most in nine years in December, an unexpected drop that has fueled concerns about an economy driven by consumer spending.  The Commerce Department said Thursday that retail sales sank 1.2% last month to $505.8 billion, marking the...

Consumer outlook improving

The consumer’s outlook is improving, according to the January Consumer Reports Index, a measure of overall consumer financial health. The study reports that stress levels have diminished, financial difficulties have moderated compared to past months, and the strong...