Market Features

Try Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS
CLICK HERE NOW

Coming Week: Data Overdrive

03/31/07 - 09:43 AM EDT

Chris Nichols

On average, analysts are expecting a reading of 51, which would be down a bit from 52.3 in February. Still, even if predictions prove correct, any number above 50 means the sector is expanding. A reading below that mark signals a contraction.

Also on the manufacturing front, automakers, including Detroit's Big Three of GM (GM - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr), Ford (F - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) and DaimlerChrysler (DCX - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr), will be out with their monthly sales results. Foreign carbuilders who are making further inroads in the U.S., namely Toyota (TM - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr), will weigh in, as well.

Two days after its factory report, the ISM will offer up its nonmanufacturing index, a look at the strength of the service sector. That index probably edged ahead to 54.7 last month from 54.3, economists believe. The service index will be joined by factory orders for February, which are forecast to have risen 2%.

But the headline event will still be to come at the end of the week. A day after the Labor Department puts out its weekly initial jobless claims on Thursday, it's scheduled to disclose one of the most eagerly anticipated data points every month -- the jobs report.

Importantly, however, the market is closed that day in observance of Good Friday, which would give traders the weekend to digest the numbers before they act on them.


Headlines & Perspectives

Market Features

Go To Section Home


03/30/07
New! 'Mad Money' Culture Quiz

See how closely you paid attention to Cramer this week.


03/30/07
What a Week: Stressed Out

Geopolitical issues, weakening economic data and rising oil combine to bring back jitters.


03/30/07
Use Fantasy Portfolio to Improve Reality

No, I don't mean just the Beat the Street prize money. This game is a chance to learn.


08/05/08
Three Internet Stocks That Could Double

These forgotten Internet stocks are being accumulated by hedge funds.


08/15/08
The Five Dumbest Things on Wall Street

Raspberries for Apple; You'll be sorry, UBS; Fortress or Fort Knox? Wholly unappetizing Foods; give Liberty AOL or give them...


08/15/08
McCain Fund-Raising Picks Up

The GOP presidential candidate raised $27 million in July.


08/15/08
Cash-Back Cards Aren't Money in the Bank

Some credit and debit cards give you some cash back on purchases. But you need to manage it well to benefit from it.


Your Recent Quotes: Quote Up0 | Quote Down0
Dow S&P 500 NASDAQ
Oil*
Gold
10 Yr
0.00%
%
%
%
Data delayed 20 min
Sign up for our FREE newsletters now. See All

  • Cramer's Daily Booyah!
  • Before the Bell

Premium Stock Ideas
Access Action Alerts Plus to find out Cramer’s latest picks now!