Equities were mostly flat on Monday with traders on alert for this week?s round of economic data. Top of the list is the Retail Sales figure due out today but there are several reports of interest. Retail sales are expected to accelerate to 1.5% from last month?s 0.7% but still trail the 6.2% increase in consumer prices as indicated by the CPI data.

Later this week, traders will be on the watch for reads on housing starts and building permits as well as the Index of Leading Indicators. All three data points are expected to accelerate from the previous month as well and could move the market. The risk for traders is that supply chain hurdles and lack of materials could cut into economic activity. If so, the outlook for earnings in the 4th quarter could begin to deteriorate.