Equity investors face a trying week filled with economic data and the start of peak reporting for the Q1 period. The economic calendar includes CPI, PPI and retail sales data that could all point to trouble for the S&P 500. Inflation is expected to accelerate at the core level, given the rise in oil prices and retail sales will be weak. The combination suggests another FOMC rate hike is due, and consumer spending will continue to fall.
On the earnings front, reports from JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo are due on Friday and market the start of the peak reporting season. The banks are expected to post solid increases in business but may give a cautious outlook given recent bank failures and the inflation outlook.