Economic indicators

'Exceptionally accommodative' monetary policy expected as inflation remains short of the Fed's 2% target, according to BNP economists.

The 245,000 increase in nonfarm payrolls indicated a slowing, and with lockdowns rising, December's numbers could fall again.

Christopher Waller was confirmed to a seat on the Federal Reserve Board on Thursday by a 48-47 vote along party lines.

The data continue to offer a mixed picture, with manufacturing expanding, services hurting, and while construction spending rose more than expected, it followed a downward revision to the previous month's number.

Pending home sales unexpectedly declined in October, the second consecutive month they dropped.

The flood of indicators released Wednesday were indicative of a slowing economy, analysts said.

The consumer confidence index suggested expectations have slipped, and the Richmond Fed's services survey also offered a dim view ahead.

Jobless claims rose and existing home sales surged, underscoring the uneven and sporadic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery.

Two vaccines seem effective and nearly ready for use, spurring talk of a return to normal.

October retail sales rose less than forecast, and with a new wave of rising infections, analysts worry that lost jobs and increased restrictions could hurt sales going forward.