The U.S. probably began the final quarter with a steady performance by retailers, factories and homebuilders, a snapshot of resilience as the world’s largest economy plods forward against coronavirus headwinds. Store receipts for October are seen increasing 0.5% after a larger-than-forecast 1.9% jump a month earlier. The projected gain indicates a tempering, yet still solid rate, of spending. The value of retail sales remains well above pre-pandemic levels. Sales are proving surprisingly robust as American consumers, beleaguered by a pandemic that’s forced them to cut back spending on travel and other services, shift ... (full story)