Economic upticks

Retailers are still tallying sales receipts from the Christmas shopping season and post-holiday sales. Some stores say their sales were up, while others say heavy discounting to attract customers eroded anticipated gains. Internet sales were up substantially. One key factor of how well retailers did in 2009 will be measured when December's sales-tax revenue is disbursed to local governments in a couple of months.

Meanwhile, local real estate professionals are happy with the latest figures for housing sales from November. Sales were up 58 percent in the 11-state Midwest region that includes Missouri and up 47 percent nationwide. Many of the sales were spurred by tax credits for first-time homebuyers and buyers who have owned their current homes for more than five years. In addition, the Missouri Housing Development Commission is offering low-cost loans to help eligible buyers with down payments and tax bills, both of which are seen as attractive inducements.

Retail sales and home sales are core indicators of the overall economy. These recent figures offer signs of positive trends that may help spur other economic activity. The biggest factor for both indicators is employment -- a factor that will continue to have a significant impact in the months ahead.