Discussion Topic for 28/11/11 (Mon)

Topic: This past thanksgiving holiday saw a depressed stock performance versus a surging holiday sales in the U.S. market - an interesting contrast to discuss on why it happens and how it relates to global financial market.

Link:

1) http://www.brecorder.com/markets/equity/americas/36584.html

2) http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-26/consumers-in-u-s-release-pent-up-demand-amid-brisk-black-friday-traffic.html

Questions:

1. What is the biggest trigger leading to the misery of stock market, although the sales of thanksgiving holiday surges dramatically?

2. Do you think the "prosperity" of consumer market this week shows a positive sign for the economy? If so, how large do you think the impact is, short term of long term? If not, why?