Visa and Mastercard report 4% growth in holiday sales

The two biggest credit card companies are reporting 4-percent growth in U-S holiday retail sales. Visa and Mastercard released the figures, showing that consumers largely shrugged off their economic worries. According to the data, shoppers were more deliberate with their purchases by shopping early and leaning on promotions to get the best deals. Sales of electronics like TVs and smartphones led spending in Visa transactions, while Mastercard said its card users focused on clothing and jewelry.