But global supply-chain bottlenecks crimping inventories and pushing up prices remain a worry: Walmart WMT shares tumbled after high labor and supply chain costs ate into margins. Soaring inflation also has markets worried about consumers tightening their belts. But recent retail sales numbers made for happier reading, showing October sales surging as Americans started shopping early to beat supply shortages. (2) Flash Manufacturing PMIs for November May Show COVID Effects in Places The flash November purchasing managers' index (PMI), a key forward looking economic indicator, is due out from a host of major economies in coming days — the United States, Australia, Britain and the Euro area. Market focus is on what impact price pressures and supply bottlenecks are having on business activity and whether these are abating.