The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, Nov. 16, edition that U.S. retail sales rose slightly more than expected in October, as households increased purchases of motor vehicles and electronics, indicating that the economy began the fourth quarter on a strong note. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that the positive sales report released on Friday, along with significant upward revisions to September's data and news of a rebound in import prices last month, led traders to reduce their expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve would lower interest rates in December. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said on Thursday "the economy is not sending any signals that we need to be in a hurry to lower rates." FWDBONDS economist Christopher Rupkey says: "Retail sales data today make many in the markets wonder if another rate cut at the December meeting is warranted at all. With fiscal policy expected to shift into high gear on the pro-growth stimulus side, perhaps the Fed's monetary policy should not be putting another log on the fire to fuel growth by lowering rates, as it could lead to a return of inflation." Retail sales rose 0.4 per cent last month after an upwardly revised 0.8-per-cent advance in September.