The U.S. and China both released October “retail” numbers

One nation reported 0.2% growth, the other 18.1%… we’ll let you guess which country consumed more.
Here’s a hint from Ian: “That number helps explain a 8% hike in Wal-Mart earnings… and a 6% boost in the stock yesterday.

Foreclosure filings, for example, were up a staggering 30% in the third quarter of ’07 compared to the previous three months. California, Ohio and Florida are still leading the charge, says RealtyTrac.
Of the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas, 77 saw a rise in delinquencies in the third quarter. The worst city in the third quarter proved to be Stockton, Calif., where one in 31 households was delinquent. Close behind was Detroit -- 1 in 33.
For what it’s worth, the metro areas least affected included Greenville, S.C., McAllen, Texas and Baton Rouge, La.