Months of retail sales growth came to an end in November as spending levelled off at $67.6 billion, according to Statistics Canada. (The Logic)

Talking point: November was a mixed bag for retail: sales dropped for several sectors but were buoyed by two per cent higher spending on vehicles and 0.7 per cent more spent on gas. Excluding vehicle, parts and gas sales, core retail sales dropped one per cent in November—the steepest decline in six months. The food and beverage sector led the declines with a 1.6 per cent drop, while booze sales also slumped for the second straight month, falling 2.9 per cent. Overall retail sales volume slid 0.4 per cent. December, however, looks brighter, with early estimates pointing to a 1.6 per cent rebound, though that number is likely to be revised.