NKE

Federal economic data, as well as the Labor Department's Producer Price Index and Consumer Price Index, could dominate economic news this week. And while the earnings season is winding down, quarterly reports from Nike and Ross Stores are scheduled.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway liquidated its positions in a number of high-profile companies during the fourth quarter, but the Oracle of Omaha has hung on to his huge stake in Coca-Cola. And Coke's nearly 4% drop is a weight on Buffett's portfolio.

Late-season earnings could help ring in some early holiday cheer for investors this week. Analysts expect strong results from Nike, Bed Bath & Beyond, Darden Restaurants -- which operates Olive Garden and Red Lobster -- and electronics company Jabil Circuit.

Stocks closed slightly higher Friday after fluctuating most of the session as some better-than-expected quarterly earnings helped offset anxiety over China's move to curb inflation.

We started with Citi Investment Research's top global retail picks for an "hourglass" recovery (benefiting retailers on the high and low ends). After drilling down into the fundamentals and valuations, here are our five favorites.

An investigation by The National Labor Committee alleges serious labor abuses by a Microsoft supplier's factory in China. This is the latest case in a long list of U.S. companies accused of working with offending vendors.

PETA scored a win with Nike by showing the shoemaker a grisly video of cruel tactics used to harvest animal skins, and Nike's Cole Haan unit agreed to forswear the use of exotic animal skins in its footwear. Now if only PETA would give up puns.

Despite the harsh spotlight of the 24/7 news cycle, Americans tend to be a pretty forgiving bunch. We love to build up our heroes, knock them down a peg or two and cheer them on as they redeem themselves. Woods's "press conference" didn't shed much new light. But if he plays this right, he'll be doing commercials again soon enough.

Swiss watch company TAG Heuer splashes a prominent photo of Tiger Woods on its websites and says that it stands by the golf pro, just days after announcing that it would downscale the use of his image in certain markets.

Lloyd's of London once said it would insure any company or person against any risk or event -- at a price, of course. Corporations can now buy insurance that covers everything from hedges against bad weather to "key man" policies that make large payouts if a CEO dies.