Oil has a supply problem. Sharply lower oil prices are also being cited by some as a sign of looming recession. But oil's weakness has been driven mostly by supply issues, including Iran sanctions, record levels of U.S. production, and elevated domestic inventories. (LPL)

The Labor Department said U.S. consumer prices were unchanged in November, held back by a drop in the price of gasoline. Underlying inflation pressure is seen in rising rents and healthcare costs. In the 12 months through November, the CPI rose 2.2 percent. 

PYMNTS reported that for the first time in PayPal’s history, “mobile payment volume topped $1 billion, and did so on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday.” Black Friday had the highest total payment volume, posting a 42 percent YoY increase in mobile payment volume. 

Is a shutdown coming? President Trump threatened to shut down the U.S. government next week in a discussion with Senate Minority Leaders Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Tuesday. So what does it mean for stocks if this happens? The good news is the S&P 500 Index has gained during each of the previous five shutdowns going back 23 years. (LPL)

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