The Commerce Department said retail sales rose in October by 0.2%. An increase in car purchases offset a decline in demand for building materials. Retail sales were up 4.6% on an annual basis. Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. Sales at online retailers fell 0.3%. (CNBC)

The Labor Department said consumer prices rose 0.1% in October. That is a year-on-year increase in the CPI of 2.0%. Gas prices fell 2.4% and food prices were unchanged. (CNBC)

The New York Times reports the Trump Administration is encouraging Obamacare marketplace consumers to use “insurance agents and brokers. Advocates say this “could provide a lifeline for consumers in a confusing and troubled marketplace,” and could be better than nonprofit guides because agents are able to recommend specific health insurance plans.

Wal-Mart earned $1 per share in the third quarter up 2%. Revenue was $123.2 billion, up 4.2% year over year. U.S. same-store sales rose 2.7%. (CNBC)

With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.