Morning Money Memo…

Dodge Ram trucks are displayed at Planet Dodge in Miami, Oct. 1, 2014. Lynne Sladky/AP Photo

Plunging gas prices are pushing up sales of SUVs and light trucks. Chrysler's November were the strongest results since 2001, with Jeep sales soaring 27 percent and Ram pickups up 21 percent. Rational or not, many consumers are betting that today's lower gas costs will be around for a while. Industry analysts predict that auto sales rose to an annualized rate of more than 17 million in November, the highest number in 13 years. "In the truck and SUV segments, we still have some pent up demand," says IHS Automotive Senior Analyst Stephanie Brinley. "We still have a lot of vehicles on the roads that are 11 or 12 years old and people need to get new vehicles." Rising consumer confidence is one reason for the sales increase. Low interest rates also make it easy for dealers to offer zero-percent loans. "Cars have more technology and better features and offer more value than they have in the past and consumers are willing to spend," says Brinley.

The FBI is warning consumers and businesses to be on the lookout for malware this holiday season. Crooks and scammers are launching hack attacks. "There are organized crime groups that are constantly looking to steal data information from consumers," says Shawn Henry, president of the security firm CrowdStrike Services. "There's no better time for them then during the holiday season when they know consumers are online, they're making purchases, they're out at the store." One of the newest scams involves very realistic-looking fake coupons and gift cards. "Emails that appear to be from legitimate retail outlets enticing consumers to click on a link where they'll input their personal data."

The FBI has confirmed it is investigating a recent hacking attack at Sony Pictures Entertainment, which reportedly caused major internal computer problems at the film studio last week. Sony's corporate email and other internal systems were knocked offline. Sony workers reportedly saw a message appear on their computer screens that said "Hacked by (hash)GOP," which may be the initials of a group calling itself Guardians of Peace. Copies of some unreleased Sony films such as "Still Alice," "Annie," "Mr. Turner," and "To Write Love on Her Arms" are now being distributed on unauthorized file-sharing websites, although a direct connection to the hacking hasn't been confirmed. The FBI said in a statement that "the targeting of public and private sector computer networks remains a significant threat." Sony Pictures wasn't immediately available for comment.

Japan's government credit has been downgraded by Moody's after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's decision to delay an increase in sales tax. The ratings agency says the debt rating was lowered by one notch. Its statement cited "heightened uncertainty" about the government's ability to meet its debt reduction goals and uncertainty about the timing and effectiveness of measures to boost growth. Japan's has the heaviest debt burden among industrialized nations.

House Republicans are moving to pass a one-year extension of over 50 temporary tax breaks affecting millions of businesses and individuals. The extension would allow taxpayers to claim the tax breaks on their 2014 returns. They benefit big corporations and small businesses, as well as commuters, teachers and people who live in states without a state income tax.

Richard Davies Business Correspondent ABC News Radio abcnews.com Twitter: daviesnow