Equities finished the week strong last week but still down from the all-time set the week before. This week, if the economic data fails to impress, the decline could deepen. The key report of the week will be the retail sales figures on Tuesday but there are several reports that could move the market. Retail sales grew in the previous month but were offset by a much larger than expected increase in inflation and that is expected to be true this month.

The question investors need to have answered is how big of an impact are higher prices having on retail sales and what does it mean for America?s consumer economy. If prices continue to rise unchecked the next recession could be just around the corner.