NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - No big surprise as Wal-Mart confirms today that its same-store sales stagnated in November. But even so, it's pretty weird to see the nation's (the world's!) biggest retailer post such weak sales at a time when the U.S. economy by other measures is doing fine.

Look at the recent manufacturing numbers. Many surveys show quite healthy gains. And even if some economists see signs of deceleration in the trends, the level of new orders and output looks good.

In addition, housing is doing well, with home sales staying at strong levels.

But these lackluster chain store sales aren't the only negative on the consumer because auto sales came in on the lackluster side, too.

Maybe Friday's jobs numbers are the missing piece of the puzzle.

A weak report would help explain why consumers are cautious. A strong one will raise hopes that consumer spending will finish the year on a high note, and give retailers the gift of profits they're wishing for.  

Kathleen Hays is economics correspondent for CNN and contributes to Lou Dobbs Tonight.