Weekend Linkfest, Part 2

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Yesterday, we looked at the week that was. Today's linkage looks at the coming week.

This week will be about earnings and payrolls. Following that fugly GDP number, Friday's nonfarm payroll report will be watched with even greater interest, particularly for what it reveals about wage inflation. The consensus is for 120,000 new jobs. (It takes 150,000 to keep up with population growth.) The biggest drag on job growth has been construction and manufacturing.

Other economic data this week:

Monday: personal income and spending.

Tuesday: vehicle sales (consensus is for a 3% decline) and the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index.

Wednesday: March factory orders. ...