STORY: From a Black Friday test for U.S. retailers, to Qatar’s hopes for the World Cup, these are the stories to watch out for in business and finance over the coming days.

['Black Friday' test for retailers]

“Black Friday” will test whether U.S. consumers are still in the mood to spend.

October retail sales rose more than expected, but economists fear inflation and rising rates will keep spending in check.

[The dollar's dominance]

After a year of dollar dominance, the tide may have turned on foreign exchange markets.

Signs that inflation has peaked have seen the greenback slide from recent highs.

Next week will test whether the bears are back in charge of the dollar.

[Is the IMF's pessimism justified?]

The IMF says the global economic outlook is even gloomier than it was a month ago.

A slew of global business activity surveys will offer clues to whether it’s right.

Purchasing managers’ indexes in most of Europe are already below the key 50-point level that separates growth and contraction.

[China's key loan prime rates]

China's central bank sets its key loan prime rates on Monday.

That will test its pledge to step up support for the economy.

Recent days have seen markets cheer pro-growth measures, including support for the country’s beleaguered property market.

[World Cup gets into full swing]

And the World Cup gets into full swing, with high stakes for host Qatar.

It hopes the event will burnish its reputation, and boost domestic economic activity.

But the soccer fest could yet be tarnished by disputes over everything from human rights to social restrictions.