It’s a relatively quiet week for economic data releases, but don’t let that fool you! There are still some key indicators to keep an eye on that can offer valuable insights into the health of the economy. Here’s your to-do list for the week:

Monday, February 5th:

• 10:00 AM ET: ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI (January): This report gauges activity in the services sector, which makes up a large portion of the US economy. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while below 50 suggests contraction. The consensus forecast is for a reading of 56.5, slightly down from December’s 57.2.
• 2:00 PM ET: Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices (SLOOS): This survey reveals banks’ lending standards for various loan categories, providing insight into credit conditions and potential economic activity.

Tuesday, February 6th:

• 8:00 AM ET: CoreLogic House Price Index (December): This index tracks changes in single-family home prices across the US. It can offer clues about the housing market’s health and its potential impact on the broader economy.
• 7:00 AM ET: Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Purchase Applications Index: This index measures the volume of mortgage applications for home purchases. It can indicate trends in demand for housing and potential future home sales.

Wednesday, February 7th:

• 8:30 AM ET: Trade Balance (December): This report shows the difference between the value of goods and services exported from the US and those imported. A wider deficit can put downward pressure on the US dollar and impact various industries. The consensus forecast is for a trade deficit of $62.3 billion, slightly lower than November’s $63.2 billion.

Additional Notes:

• Keep in mind that these are just some of the key releases, and other data points may also be of interest depending on your specific focus.
• Be prepared for potential market volatility around the release times of major data points, as investors react to the news.
• Consider looking beyond just the headline numbers and digging deeper into the details of the reports for a more nuanced understanding of the economic landscape.

By staying informed about these key economic data releases, you can gain valuable insights into the current state of the economy and make informed decisions for your investments and financial planning.