While Black Friday kicks off the key holiday period, here are five things to watch in this week’s upcoming market.1.  Ford drops Rivian AutomotiveFord Motor Company (F) dropped its plans to co-develop an electric vehicle with EV-maker Rivian Automotive Inc (RIVN), according to a Reuters report.Ford continues to have 12% ownership of the EV start-up that went public on Wednesday, 10 November 2021, and continues to target a global production capacity of 600,000 by 2013, despite discontinuing the collaboration.2. Nike declares share increase Nike declared a share increase of 11%, a quarterly disbursement of 30.5 cents a share which marks an increase in company shares for 20 years, consecutively.Shares will be paid to shareholders on 28 December, the company announced. Moreover, Nike will report earnings after market close on 20 December for the second quarter of Fiscal year 2022.“Nike continues to fuel growth through our Consumer Direct Acceleration strategy while generating strong cash flow and increasing returns to shareholders”.  – CEO John Donahoe, Nike3.  Pfizer gets COVID-19 booster ApprovalPfizer (PFE) and BioNTech’s (BNTX) booster dose for the COVID-19 vaccines has received extended authorization from the FDA for emergency use in people aged 18 years and older.The booster dose will be administered for a minimum of 6 (six) months after the primary vaccination and at the same dosage levels.  The decision made by the U.S. regulator follows clinical data which demonstrated strong immune responses backed by the booster dose of the vaccine.4.  Starbucks partners with AmazonFollowing the news of Starbucks’ partnerships with Amazon to open a pick-up café in New York City, Starbucks shares have increased 1.4% during the pre-market trading session on November 19.The first Starbucks Pickup with Amazon Go location opens on Thursday and will offer a curated selection of customer favorites from both Starbucks Café and Amazon Go’s Just Walk Out Shopping experience by using Amazon’s cashier-less technology.Read more about this partnership in last week’s Newsletter.5.  Black Friday gets underwayWhilst the holiday shopping season gets underway on Friday, consumer spending remains a concern against a background of supply shortages and soaring inflation.However, October retail sales indicated that Americans started shopping early to beat these supply shortages and strong third-quarter retail earnings have also indicated positive consumer spending in the upcoming holidays.“Out of the Q3 earnings, one of the trends we have seen is the resounding strength of the U.S. consumer”.  – Portfolio Manager, Jessica Bemer at Easterly Investment Partners Visit MEXEM to start investing today.