US DATA: Nov retail sales +0.2%, ex-mtr veh +0.2%, both weaker than
expected, but following upward revisions in the previous two months. Mtr
veh sales +0.5% in Oct, but gasoline station sales -0.1%, while the
remaining categories +0.2% combined. Early holiday shopping could be
seen in sales gains for clothing, electronics, sporting goods, and at
general merchandise stores, even after seasonal adjustment. These were
offset by sales drops at building materials stores and food stores, and
at food services places, and at miscellaneous store retailers.