The Week Ahead...

 It's a relatively light week but key consumer numbers post. Retail sales have been volatile due to swings in auto sales and gasoline prices. Employment growth has been moderate at best and this week's JOLTS report will indicate whether there is improvement in job openings. Despite the sluggish recovery, consumer sentiment has improved on more stable labor market conditions. Whether the trend continues will be seen in this coming week's early reading on November consumer sentiment. Finally, initial jobless claims have been trending downward and this week's number could be a market mover.