The Week Ahead

With earnings reporting season in the rear-view mirror, the Earnings Calendar takes a back seat to economic data this week.

The highlight of the Economic Calendar is the Employment Report for August, slated for release Friday morning.  Further signs of trouble in the job market could undermine the confidence of consumers, and by extension, put a damper on consumer spending, which is the engine that drives the economy.  As a result, all eyes will be on this critical report.

Monday, August 31:

• Earnings: Sina Corp. (SINA)

• Economic Data: Chicago PMI (Aug.)

• Events: None

• Conferences: Lazard MAGIC Retail & Apparel Conference (Day 2 of 3)

• Fed Speakers: None

Tuesday, September 1:

• Earnings: Take-Two Interactive (TTWO)

• Economic Data: Construction Spending (July)... ISM Index (Aug.)... Auto & Truck Sales (Aug.)

• Events: None

• Conferences: Lazard MAGIC Retail & Apparel Conference (Day 3 of 3)... Morgan Stanley Global Industrials Unplugged Conference (Day 1 of 2)

• Fed Speakers: None

Wednesday, September 2:

• Earnings: Brown-Forman (BF-B), Joy Global (JOYG), Collective Brands (PSS), Greif (GEF), SAIC (SAI)

• Economic Data: Productivity-Rev. (Q2)... Factory Orders (July)

• Events: Weekly Crude Oil Inventories (week ended Aug. 29)... FOMC Minutes (Aug. 12 meeting)

• Conferences: Merrill Lynch Technology Conference (Day 1 of 1)... Morgan Stanley Global Industrials Unplugged Conference (Day 2 of 2)

• Fed Speakers: None

Thursday, September 3:

• Earnings: Ciena (CIEN), Del Monte (DLM)

• Economic Data: Initial Unemployment Claims (week ended Aug. 29)... ISM Services (Aug.)

• Events: Retailers report same-store sales results for August

• Conferences: Morgan Keegan Energy Conference (Day 1 of 1)

• Fed Speakers: None

Friday, September 4:

• Earnings: None

• Economic Data: Employment Report (Aug.)

• Events: None

• Conferences: None

• Fed Speakers: None