Today’s updates on chain store sales and jobless claims are expected to confirm that the US economic trend is still firmly leaning towards moderate growth for the near term. The outlook for France, by contrast, is looking increasingly dicey. Today’s update on industrial production for Europe’s number two economy will be closely watched for evaluating the odds that it's sliding into a new recession. Meanwhile, bear in mind that the Bank of England's monthly policy announcement is scheduled today for 11:00 GMT. US: Chain Store Sales (04:00 GMT) Spending in chain stores represents a small fraction of retail consumption ... (full story)