US Economy 

• Consumer confidence reached a six-year high in the third quarter, as job prospects and personal finances improved Reuters
• Net worth as a percentage of disposable personal income is closing in on levels reached in 1999, but remains below 2004-2007 FRED
• Owners’ equity in real estate as a percentage of household real estate returned to pre-recessionary levels for first time during Q2 FRED
• Initial jobless claims decreased by 10,000 to 340,000 Reuters
• U.S. consumer prices rose 0.2% in September, suggesting there is still little sign of inflation CNBC
• Federal Reserve officials will meet on December 17-18 to determine the future of Q.E, as lackluster job growth was the main reason to postpone tapering The Wall Street Journal

World Economy

• The European Union recently hinted at cutting its spending for the first time ever, saving approximately $47 billion over seven years The Economist
• Japan’s gross national debt stands over 200% of GDP, the highest ratio in developed countries, as personal consumption taxes are expected to rise in hopes of stabilizing finances The Economist

 Miscellaneous

• Large banks have agreed to pay more than $66 billion in settlements over credit crisis-related cases The Wall Street Journal