1.   A larger-than-expected surge in U.S. employment figures released Friday raised expectations that interest rates will rise soon in the U.S. and Japan.

2.   A larger-than-expected surge in U.S. employment figures released last week raised expectations that interest rates will rise soon in the U.S. and Japan.

3.   Also, third quarter growth figures released Tuesday confirmed that the economy is recovering only gradually from a five-year downturn.

4.   Consumption, however, is still strong and is likely to stay that way, given retail sales figures released today.

5.   Disappointment over June inflation figures released today sent some consumer and food stocks lower.

6.   Dismal October sales figures released Thursday suggest that cash-strapped consumers may engage in miserly, Scrooge-like behavior during the coming all-important holiday retail season.

7.   Department store sales figures released today added to the picture of depressed consumer spending.

8.   Economists said the jobless figures released Friday show California is pacing, to a degree, the more vigorous national economy.

9.   Economists polled by Bloomberg News expect no improvement in the November wage and job figures released tomorrow.

10.   Employment figures released yesterday and manufacturing output figures today bolstered that view.