Another record-breaking week for US equities on the cards?

AMERICAN consumers and investors are getting into the festive mood, and only a collapse of the trade deal could spoil it.

US stocks hit new record highs last week after hints of progress on the trade front and better-than-expected retail sales and economic data.

Signs of a holiday-season shopping spree and trade-deal anticipation look set to perpetuate the record streak this week.

Initial returns from the holiday-shopping season suggest that US consumers are set to spend more than ever before, albeit with much of the growth online than in previous years.

The National Retail Federation estimates that, of the 165 million Americans expected to participate in the five-day promoti…