This week's calendar includes several important economic events with the potential to impact share prices.
It starts with European inflation early this morning, which could impact trading in the euro and energy prices. It's especially important because the European Central Bank announces monetary policy on Thursday.
The Chicago Purchasing Managers index is the only release in the United States, scheduled for 9:45 a.m. ET. Economists expect a reading of 60.1, up from 59.8 in February.
The overnight session between Monday and Tuesday brings global manufacturing numbers from China and the Europe as HSBC/Markit releases several purchasing managers indexes. It's followed in the U.S. by the Institute for Supply Management's key report, plus construction spending.
Wednesday brings ADP's private-sector payrolls report, mortgage applications, and factory orders. Monsanto also reports earnings.
The ECB's rate decision is Thursday's big event. European retail sales and U.S. initial jobless claims are also on the agenda. Micron Technology announces results as well.
The most important headline of the week comes Friday morning, when the U.S. Labor Department releases its monthly jobs report for March.
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