FOMC Rate Decision, Oil and Gold Prices, Consumer and Housing Take Center Stage in the Week Ahead

Volatility made its way back to the markets this week, particularly the energy complex as crude saw a $57 handle. TheStreet’s Jill Malandrino points out commodities will remain in focus for the trading week ahead as the FOMC delivers its interest rate decision next week, which will lend to some action in gold, and the supply glut situation continues to put pressure on crude. Lower prices at the pump has boded well for consumers and many retailers have seen the benefit in their stock prices. Key S&P 500 earnings next week include: Darden, FedEx, General Mills, ConAgra, Joy Global, Oracle, Accenture, Centas, Nike, Redhat, Karmax and Paychex. Economic data on tap include domestic and international manufacturing and Housing Starts and Permits in the U.S. Volumes tend to get lower during the holiday season so expect some choppy trading as liquidity dwindles down.