Economy Week Ahead: Industrial Production, Retail Sales and Jobless Claims

U.S. retail-sales figures highlight a week of data that will help investors and economists gauge the continuing impact of the coronavirus pandemic. 


 
S&P 500 Closes Week at Record on Vaccine Optimism

Technology stocks were among this week's laggards as investors shifted bets to economically sensitive sectors such as banks and energy. 


 
Japan's Economy Expands as It Recovers From Pandemic

The growth in the July-September period occurred at the fastest pace in at least 40 years as private consumption and exports improved along with the reopening of the global economy. 


 
Big Gains from Small Stocks Power Russell 2000 Surge

Shares of small companies are posting outsize gains, driven by investors' bets that a rebounding economy and potential Biden administration policies will boost profits at smaller U.S. companies. 


 
Coronavirus Hospitalizations in the U.S. Hit Another Record High

The U.S. registered its second-highest number of newly reported coronavirus infections as a surge in cases brought the national total close to 11 million and put 69,455 Covid-19 patients in hospitals. 


 
Asia-Pacific Countries Sign Major Trade Pact in Test for Biden

Fifteen countries including China signed a major trade deal after years of tricky negotiations, creating a regional bloc that covers around a third of global economic output and extends Beijing's influence. 


 
Bond Investors Win Big Betting on U.S. Consumer

Investors who bet U.S. consumers would keep paying debts this year are reaping a windfall as households spend less and save more against the backdrop of a still-ailing national economy. 


 
Covid-19 Makes Foreign Policy the Oil Patch's First Biden Fear

The effects of Covid-19 mean that Joe Biden's foreign policy, not domestic energy policy, might prove more impactful for U.S. energy companies in the near future. 


 
Consumer Sentiment Soured in First Half of November

The University of Michigan's index of consumer sentiment declined for the two weeks straddling the national elections, as Republicans grew more pessimistic and Democrats worried about a surge in coronavirus infections. 


 
Trump Administration's Rule Ending Drug Rebates in Medicare Nears Final Approval

A revived rule to end rebates that drugmakers give to middlemen in Medicare is awaiting approval from the Office of Management and Budget and a final rule could be imminent, according to a person familiar with the matter.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-15-20 2115ET