gdl - I live in a tourist area. There is no recovery here. The seasonal workers are being layed off early because of a decline in tourist, the food pantries and shelters are being overwhelmed.
"Are people spending their money on discretionary items such as electronics, expensive cloths, movies, concerts, restaurants, toys, games, bars" The answer I believe is NO.
After all said and done I would not be surprised if this is one of the worst Christmas seasons for retailers.
My daughter works in Bed Bath & Beyond, there sales are not up at all, I was just in the store on Friday. I was the only one there besides the employees at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. My daughter says that has been typical. In this shopping center is a Super Walmart, Best Buy and several other big stores. The parking lot was probably 3/4 empty.
If you don't believe this administration is capable of manipulating government reports. Just look at the IRS (targeting of conservative groups), look at the out right lies the President made during his reelection campaign concerning Obamacare and the deficit as well as the manipulation of the jobs report just before the election. Look at the cover up of Benghazi, that is still on going.
JMHO, Lindy
"Buy low, Sell high, stay with your system. If your system breaks fix it."