The Week Ahead
After finishing the first quarter with gains last seen a decade ago, market watchers will keep their eyes on this week's data dump to see if the recent rally has been for real. The number most likely to overtake this week's headlines is March's employment numbers. This will be released on Friday, April 6 but the markets are closed for that day for Good Friday; the reaction will be tempered.
A forecast of economists has March adding 210,000 jobs, according to Dow Jones, which is lower than February's 227,000 additional jobs. March unemployment has been forecast to stay at 8.3%.
The kickoff for earnings season isn't until April 10 so it will be quiet on this front for the week with the exception of a few companies.
Over in Asia this past weekend, China released its manufacturing data. Two reports painted a mixed message as Chinaís March official survey showed its highest improvement in a year while the HSBC survey exhibited a sector that is still headed toward a contraction.
Here's a look at the week ahead with economic numbers, Fed Speak and earnings.
Economic Data
Monday: ISM releases March manufacturing data
Tuesday: February factory orders and March U.S. car sales
Wednesday: ISM releases service numbers
Thursday: ADP releases March employment report and Weekly jobless claims
Friday: March employment and unemployment data, Payroll
Fed Speak
Tuesday: FOMC Minutes
Earnings
Wednesday: Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and Monsanto Co.
Thursday: CarMax Inc. and Constellation Brands Inc.
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