The second week of the month is normally much quieter on the economic calendar, giving investors more time to digest nonfarm payrolls and a flurry of other market-moving events that normally characterize the beginning of each month. Nonetheless, market participants will have plenty to talk about as earnings season gets under way with some of America’s largest banks scheduled to report.
Data on consumer spending and inflation will make headlines in the latter half of the week, providing important clues about the health of the domestic economy at the end of the first quarter. Although consumer inflation has strengthened in recent months, receipts at retail stores have been more uneven. The U.S. economy is largely consumer driven, with consumption accounting for more than two-thirds of gross domestic product (GDP).
Monetary policy discussion is largely absent from this week’s outlook. Compare this week’s Market Glance with the April 3 edition by clicking here.
