As we start the last trading week of 2015 it is all about retail sales, most of the internet kind.  Amazon said its Prime service had a "record-setting" holiday season. More than 3 million members joined Prime in the third week of December alone, bringing its total membership to tens of millions. Amazon says 200 million items received free shipping this year, reaching a record. (CNBC)

 

FedEx  was forced to run extra shifts to clear a backlog of deliveries through Christmas day. A spokesperson cited a combination of unforeseen volume and severe winter weather for the delay. (CNBC)

 

Strong online sales and demand for furniture and women's apparel helped U.S. retail sales grow by 7.9% this holiday season. U.S. retail sales grew 5.5% during the same period last year. Online sales grew 20% this year. The National Retail Federation, had forecast a 3.7% rise in store and online sales this holiday season. Online sales were projected to rise 6% to 8%. (Reuters/Master Card)

 

Consumer sentiment rose to 92.6 in December. The December reading was nearly equal to the 2015 average of 92.9 — which was the highest since 2004. (Fox Business News)