One bright spot was manufacturing jobs, which rose by 37, 000, led by the auto and auto-parts industries.

WSJ: Job Growth Loses Steam

One bright light amid the darkness is retail sales, which rose by 17% in real terms in the year to October.

ECONOMIST: China's economy

The only bright spots for Europe were the wins for Robert Karlsson, Justin Rose, debutant Graeme McDowell and impressive wildcard pick Ian Poulter, who justified his selection by ending up as the event's leading scorer with four points from five matches.

BBC: US secure emphatic Ryder Cup win

The young Pacers (just one player over the age of 27) and injury-plagued Bulls (former MVP Derrick Rose sat out the season to rehab a torn ACL but will be back next season) both have bright outlooks.

WSJ: One-Dimensional Problems