Equity markets peaked out last week following a round of mixed reports from the retail sector. The takeaway from the reports is that inventory is bloating across the sector and driving an intensifying need for discounting. The news is good for consumers looking for a bargain but bad for businesses hoping to maintain margin and profitability. The result is resulting in downward revisions to the earnings outlook and that is what capped gains in the stock market.

This week earnings will fall to the wayside in favor of economic data and the FOMC outlook. There are few economic reports on the calendar but the list includes the PCE price index. The index is expected to track lower alongside the CPI but is also expected to remain well above the Fed's 2.0% target rate and support the idea of aggressive Fed action at the next meeting.