US Stocks Market The Week Ahead

With fourth-quarter earnings season in the rearview mirror, we are looking into the coming economic data and companies events this week.

The economic highlights of the week will be a pair of inflation measures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The consumer price index for February is out on Wednesday. Economists forecast a 0.6% month-over-month gain, after a 0.3% rise in January. The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is expected to edge up 0.2%, compared with a flat reading in January.

Other data out this week includes the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index for February on Tuesday. Consensus estimate is for a 96.3 reading, slightly higher than January’s 95 figure. January’s reading was the lowest for the index since May.

Finally, the European Central Bank announces a monetary-policy decision on Thursday. The consensus expectation is for an unchanged benchmark interest rate target, at negative 0.5%.

Tuesday 3/9

Chevron holds its 2021 investor day virtually. The company’s executive leadership, including CEO Mike Wirth, will discuss the oil giant’s transition to cleaner energy, among other topics.

Walt Disney holds its annual shareholders meeting.

Wednesday 3/10

Verizon Communications holds its 2021 investor day. CEO Hans Vestberg and other senior executives will discuss the company’s progress on its 5G rollout, as well as the results of the recent FCC C-band spectrum auction, where Verizon successfully bid $45 billion, more than all of the other U.S. wireless carriers combined.

Thursday 3/11

T-MobileUS has an analyst day, when senior leadership will discuss the company’s strategic priorities as well as provide an update on the synergies achieved almost a year after the merger with Sprint was completed.

Friday 3/12

AT&T holds an analyst day to update its business strategy and discuss its capital-allocation plans.