How busy is FedEx?

That's one of the tea leaves retail analysts and economists will be looking at this week - one of the few real-time indicators of holiday sales. During a conference call this morning, Chairman and CEO Fred Smith said early December was a little slower than expected, but "we have seen some strengthening as we get closer to Christmas. This week, for example, has been particularly strong." Monday was the company's busiest day on record (though records typically fall this time of year). The last-minute rush has become a hallmark of the season; a Consumer Reports survey finds that nearly a quarter of U.S. consumers don't expect to complete their holiday shopping until Dec. 23rd or later, while one in 10 don't expect to be done until Christmas Eve. Five percent plan to finish their gift shopping after Christmas. Let’s bounce those folks out of the family.