- Retail sales fell for a third straight month as a surge in virus cases kept people away from stores during the holiday shopping season. The report released Friday is yet another sign that the pandemic is slowing the U.S. economy. Last month, the country lost jobs for the first time since the spring.
- Government numbers out this week reported a spike in weekly unemployment claims, indicating that rising infections are forcing businesses to cut back and lay off workers. The U.S. Commerce Department said retail sales fell a seasonally adjusted 0.7% in December from the month before.
- Some retailers have already indicated that they had an unhappy holiday season. Department store chain Nordstrom, lingerie seller Victoria’s Secret and clothing retailer Urban Outfitters all said sales fell during the holidays.
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Categories: Business, Government
Economic Left 
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