Early indicators suggest that there is still some life left in the American consumer. The hordes were back out for the Thanksgiving weekend, though mega discounts means retailers will still struggle to break even. Martin Denholm says investors should stick with bargain-oriented retailers like Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) and TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX).

Retail experts are predicting one of the most dismal holiday shopping seasons in decades this year – a crucial stretch that will set the stage for poor retail sales throughout 2009.

Addison Wiggin and Kate Incontrera look at the implications of America’s large and persistent trade deficit. The country is dependent on foreign products for its energy, food and leisure needs. Simply put: America is consuming more than it produces.  And as this imbalance continues to grow, the long-term risks to the economy become more severe.

Survey; U.S. began recession in April; Target 3Q Profit Down 24%; Merrill Lowers 2009 Brazil Growth to 2.9%; Hong Kong Officially in Recession; SEC Charges Cuban with Insider Trading; Lowe’s Revenue Climbs; October Industrial Output Rises

This week is shaping up to be another active one on the bailout-and-financing front. First and foremost, Congress returns to work this week to consider a once-unthinkable proposal: Put up billions in taxpayer-backed loans so that Detroit’s “Big Three” can be saved. Expect a fight, however, as the bailout debate finally moves past banks to focus on General Motors Corp. (GM), Ford Motor Co. (F), and Chrysler Corp.

By all reasonable measures, we are already in a recession, says Shah Gilani. Deflation has become today’s number one threat. But massive government rescues mean another bout of inflation looms on the horizon. Shah says investors should look to short vulnerable stocks in 2009. But in 12-18 months, they should be prepared for a “generational opportunity” to make a fortune.

Retailers 3Q Earnings Dismal; Cisco Sees Small Biz Sales Growth; Blackstone Posts $502 million 3Q Loss; IEA Sees $100 Oil Average; Mattel Toying with Job Cuts; Direct TV Earnings Up; Fidelity Cuts 1,300 jobs; Jobless Claims Fall

Circuit City Stores Inc. (CC) will close 155, or 20%, of its 566 U.S. stores by Dec. 31 and slash its domestic workforce by about 17% as the fledging electronics retailer scrambles to conserve cash and reverse six consecutive quarters of falling sales.

US retailer Target Corp. (NYSE:TGT) is considering offloading $20 billion in real estate holdings. This will enable the company to focus on its core strategic operations, says Andrew Snyder. And that makes it easier for investors to analyse the business. Andrew expects Target’s stock to jump if this sale is given the go ahead.

Electronic Arts Ditches Take-Two; Nucor’s Positive Outlook; Best Buy Snaps up Napster; Target’s New Ballpark; Oil Hits Six-Month Low; Wilbur Ross Expects 1,000 U.S. Banks to Fail; Hewlett-Packard Slashes Payrolls