Retail sales rose in November as continued low gasoline prices and a slowdown in auto purchases translated to more clothing and electronics buying, providing some hope to retailers looking for a stronger finish to a holiday shopping season that started with a whimper.

Prices for imported goods fell for the fifth straight month in November, highlighting the drag on inflation from cheap oil, a strong dollar and slow overseas growth.

Rising home values helped more underwater homeowners surface in the third quarter, but some of the areas worst hit by the housing crash are continuing to struggle.

Much more is highlighted in Reports and Announcements