CBS MoneyWatch

The Commerce Department says retail sales rose 0.7 percent, the biggest gain in five months. Consumers spent more on cars, appliances and furniture and made more purchases online. Alexis Christoforous more » The Commerce Department says retail sales rose 0.7 percent, the biggest gain in five months. Consumers spent more on cars, appliances and furniture and made more purchases online. Alexis Christoforous reports.« less

Wholesale prices dropped in November for the third consecutive month. The Labor Department says the index that measures prices before they reach the consumer declined 0.1 percent in November. Cheaper ... more » Wholesale prices dropped in November for the third consecutive month. The Labor Department says the index that measures prices before they reach the consumer declined 0.1 percent in November. Cheaper gasoline and home heating oil costs helped push down prices, plus more MoneyWatch headlines. Marlie Hall reports.« less

MoneyWatch executive editor Amey Stone talks to Rob McIver, from the Jensen Funds, about what companies to look out for in the new year. MoneyWatch executive editor Amey Stone talks to Rob McIver, from the Jensen Funds, about what companies to look out for in the new year.« less

The Federal Reserve said factory production rose in November as auto production surged. Also, a new poll suggests Americans don't expect the stock market to continue on its upward tear. Plus, more Mon more » The Federal Reserve said factory production rose in November as auto production surged. Also, a new poll suggests Americans don't expect the stock market to continue on its upward tear. Plus, more MoneyWatch headlines. Alexis Christoforous reports.« less

In the midst of the all-important holiday season, the toy retailing giant announces it lost $605 million in the last quarter. Plus more top business and financial headlines from MoneyWatch. In the midst of the all-important holiday season, the toy retailing giant announces it lost $605 million in the last quarter. Plus more top business and financial headlines from MoneyWatch.« less

Liability claims are on the rise, and attorneys are seeking ever bigger awards according to CBS MoneyWatch's Ray Martin. He offers three steps any party host can take to protect themselves. Liability claims are on the rise, and attorneys are seeking ever bigger awards according to CBS MoneyWatch's Ray Martin. He offers three steps any party host can take to protect themselves.« less

Two electronics makers will unveil large, curved televisions at a tech conference in January. Plus more business news from MoneyWatch Two electronics makers will unveil large, curved televisions at a tech conference in January. Plus more business news from MoneyWatch« less

Is 2014 the right time to buy a home? Benjamin Weinstock, a real estate attorney and partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, looks at the real estate trends for the upcoming year and weighs in on whether more » Is 2014 the right time to buy a home? Benjamin Weinstock, a real estate attorney and partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, looks at the real estate trends for the upcoming year and weighs in on whether 2014 is the right time buy.« less

Business investment rises at fastest pace since January, Target faces slew of lawsuits for systems hack, plus the latest MoneyWatch headlines. Business investment rises at fastest pace since January, Target faces slew of lawsuits for systems hack, plus the latest MoneyWatch headlines.« less

You've heard of smartphones and even smart cars, now there are smart appliances. LG plans to debut its home-chat service designed to let users text with their appliances. Marlie Hall explains. You've heard of smartphones and even smart cars, now there are smart appliances. LG plans to debut its home-chat service designed to let users text with their appliances. Marlie Hall explains.« less