One month ago they told us: “Fears of economic recession could derail the holiday shopping season – MarketWatch” .

In the real world: 2019 Holiday retail sales rose by +3.4% year over year (as measured by MasterCard) even with a shopping season that was six days shorter than the prior year.

Much “news” is speculation and assertion designed to create an emotional anxiety ridden response. They even put “fear” in the headlines!

Update: Bank of America says holiday retail sales up almost +5%.