Even as the year winds to a close this week, a handful of economic releases are on the schedule. Starting on Monday, the Chicago Fed releases its Midwest Manufacturing Index for November. Then we'll see consumer confidence, jobless claims and more.
Yes, oil prices are climbing again and will likely do so for a while. But never fear: The price forecasts remain too low to make a big impact on the U.S. economy, which is far more energy-efficient these days. Here are three other reasons.
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.
FedEx, the world's leading package-delivery service and an ostensible bellwether of the U.S. economy, will report its latest earnings this week. Also, with the holiday shopping season well underway, Best Buy and Discover Financial Services are also reporting quarterly results.
A quiet week for earnings, along with new reports on consumer credit, consumer sentiment, economic optimism, wholesale trade, the U.S. trade balance and federal budget balance, should give the stock markets a chance to settle down after last week's volatility.
Among quarterly results scheduled for this holiday-shortened week, investors may be thankful for earnings results from Tyson Foods, the Arkansas-based poultry and meat producer. Analog Devices and Deere also are reporting.
Calling all investors: You'll want to pay close attention in the days ahead. The mid-term elections, FOMC meeting, retail sales figures, an update on the labor market and more earnings from Toyota, Starbucks and more could set the stage for quite an interesting week on Wall Street.
Dozens of companies report earnings this week, and analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters are anticipating lots of strong quarterly reports. Among those posting improved results should be Microsoft and Visa. However, likely to post losses are Office Depot and Sprint Nextel.
These are among the big-name companies posting third-quarter results this week. Analysts are looking for increased profit growth from all of them. Also on tap: Producer prices, consumer sentiment and consumer prices.
Pharmacy giant Walgreen's earnings are expected to be flat year-over-year, while Family Dollar Stores and electronics manufacturer Jabil Circuit are expected to post earnings gains.
Housing data is in the financial spotlight this week, along with an FOMC meeting, the leading economic indicators index and quarterly reports from a number of companies including Adobe, AutoZone and Lennar.
Last week, the Fed's Beige Book report confirmed that the economy continues to grow, but at a slower pace than in previous periods. This week will bring other economic data to either support or contrast with the Fed's findings as well as some key earnings reports.
Investors nervous about a stalled economic recovery -- or possibly the second dip of a double-dip recession -- will watch for this week's economic data, including construction and consumer spending, factory orders and August jobless figures.
Tiffany & Co. is among the few S&P 500 companies reporting results this week and is expected to shine. The jeweler released an iPhone app and boosted its dividend in the quarter. Canadian banks are expected to post earnings growth as well.
The earnings spotlight falls on retailers this week, and expectations are high for many of them, including Abercrombie & Fitch and Dollar Tree, which has benefited from the recession and slow recovery.