lackluster

Defined-outcome funds have drawn criticism from some in the investing world, who have argued that the ETFs don’t offer the same diversification as traditional bonds and deliver lackluster upside.

And even if sales in China remain lackluster, some are eyeing the country as a critical innovation hub to learn from.

This lackluster performance comes despite a massive winnowing of the field in recent years, as chains including Noble House, Mitchell Gold, Klaussner Home Furnishings, and Z Gallerie have closed up shop.

But the S&P 500 is off to a lackluster start to the final three months of the year, posting a 1.3% loss so far in the fourth quarter, according to FactSet data through Friday.

Meanwhile, their counterparts in the South and the West are struggling with lackluster demand.