Sales vs. Employment

Retail sales were high for July, despite a decline for Target and Gap. And investors are optimistic before Friday's release of the employment report, which will largely effect the Fed's decision on raising rates...again. Some are calling this entire week a "warm up" before Friday's report. I'm warm enough, thank you (temperatures almost topped 100 today!). Speaking of employment, AOL announced today that they will cut over 5,000 jobs as it stops actively marketing. The online giant is having to offer free services to avoid taking large hits to its profitability. DJIA: +42.66 Nasdaq: +13.53 S&P 500: +1.72