The Week Ahead Sees France & Germany Come Calling

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 100, NASDAQ 100 and Russell 2000 were all higher on a weekly basis thanks positive action Monday and Tuesday. The Big Picture [monthly bias] for the NASDAQ 100, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Russell 2000 and the S&P 100 remain positive.

1.Geopolitical and Fiscal Events. Monday sees French President Emmanuel Macron visit the U.S. through Wednesday. Tuesday sees Federal Reserve. Wednesday sees Federal Reserve. Thursday sees the ECB out with its latest interest rate decision. Friday sees the BOJ announce its latest interest rate decision. Friday sees President Trump host German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House.

2.Economic Releases. Releases of note this week and next include the weekly chain store sales, oil/gas numbers, mortgage applications and jobless claims as well as existing home sales, consumer confidence, new home sales, durable goods, Q1 GDP and Michigan Sentiment.

3.Earnings Releases. Notable releases next week include GOOGL CNI VZ KO FB V MSFT AMZN XOM CVX.

Monday, April 23

March Existing Home Sales are due out at 10:00 a.m. EDT and are expected to fall to 5,538,000 from 5,540,000.

French President Emmanuel Macron begins a three day visit to the U.S.

Tuesday, April 24

April Consumer Confidence is released at 10:00 a.m. EDT and expected to fall to 126.20 from 127.70.

At the same time, March New Home Sales are due out and expected to rise to 630,000 from 618,000.

Wednesday, April 25

No events of note.

Thursday, April 26

March Durable Goods are reported at 8:30 a.m. EDT and are expected to fall to 1.20% from 3.00%.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is out with its latest interest rate update at 7:45 a.m. EDT followed by a press conference at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

The latest short interest from the NYSE and NASDAQ is due out after the close of trading.

Friday, April 27

Q1 GDP is released at 8:30 a.m. EDT and is expected to come in at 2.2%.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is out with its latest release Thursday night before markets open.

April Michigan Sentiment is due out at 10:00 a.m./EDT and is expected improve to 98 from 97.80.

North & South Korea hold a summit to improve relations.