1.   Consumer confidence in the U.S. economy unexpectedly strengthened in November, a sign growth and spending could be poised for further gains, Conference Board figures showed today.

2.   Consumer confidence in the U.S. economy increased in September, a sign growth and spending could be poised for further gains, Conference Board figures showed today.

3.   European Union finance ministers met to keep plans for a common currency on track amid signs sluggish growth will prevent most member states from qualifying.

4.   French bonds posted their steepest declines in nine months as funds flowed into stocks amid fading concerns about Korean debt and signs French economic growth is improving.

5.   Inventories of unsold goods piled up at U.S. businesses in April, a sign growth will slow in months ahead as companies draw on existing stocks to satisfy demand.

6.   Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket goods surged for the second month in a row in September, a sign economic growth may be accelerating.

7.   The number of U.S. workers applying for state unemployment benefits jumped last week to the highest level in two months, a sign job growth may be losing momentum.

8.   The number of U.S. workers applying for state unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, a sign job growth remains on a steady track.

9.   U.S industrial production grew at a slower-than-expected pace in October, Federal Reserve figures showed today, a sign U.S. growth may be cooling.

10.   Until that meeting, investors will require more signs economic growth is sluggish enough to argue in favor of a rate cut.