The Business Week Ahead...

Core PCE prices on Friday will be the week's highlight and if they show pressure as expected, expectations for a March FOMC rate hike could be back on the table. Key data will begin rolling out on Tuesday with consumer confidence which has been getting a boost from both a strong jobs market and from home-price appreciation. Home prices will be updated on Tuesday with the Case-Shiller report and then again on Thursday with the FHFA report, both of which are expected to show welcome pressure. Home sales will also be a highlight of the week with existing home sales on Tuesday followed on Wednesday by new home sales with both of these reports expected to show respectable results. Durable goods orders follow on Thursday and, despite weak global markets, are also expected to respectable results. PCE prices will be released with the personal income and outlays report where, once again, strength is expected including for consumer spending which is getting a telling lift from rising vehicle sales.