Business and Finance
OPEC LAUNCHED a major effort to regain control of world oil markets and force prices upward. Twelve of the 13 members agreed to cut production and to sell their oil at fixed prices averaging $18 a barrel. Analysts were split on OPEC's ability to succeed with the new strategy.</br></br>Consumer prices edged up 0.3% in November, suggesting inflation remains well under control. More than a third of the increase reflected higher costs for cars and auto financing. The overall inflation rate, now about 1%, is expected to be 3%-4% next year.</br></br>---</br></br>Christmas sales are running below the modest expectations of many retailers. The softness raises the prospect of widespread price cutting during these final shopping days.</br></br>---