Investing.com - Here’s a preview of the top 3 things that could rock markets tomorrow
1. Housing, Industrial Production, Fed Speakers on Tap
Following renewed expectations for a faster pace of inflation and U.S. economic growth in the wake of a duo of economic reports on retail sales and manufacturing, investors are expected to closely monitor economic data and comments from Fed speakers slated for Wednesday.
The Commerce Department at 08:30 ET is expected to report building permits fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.350 million units, while housing starts are forecast to fall 1.1% to 1.310 million units.
A speech by Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank President Raphael Bostic at 8:30AM ET is also likely to warrant attention as investors seek an insight into Fed's thinking on monetary policy.
Economists forecast industrial production due Wednesday at 9:15AM ET rose 0.5% in April.
Fed official James Bullard rounds off the day with a speech at 6:30PM ET.
The dollar hit a fresh 2018 high on Tuesday against a major basket of currencies after the United States 10-Year surged to a nearly seven-year high.
2. Weekly US Crude Supplies Data, EIA Monthly Report Eyed
Inventory data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday is expected to show a second-straight weekly draw in U.S. crude stockpiles.
Analysts forecast crude inventories fell by about 0.763 million barrels in the week ended May 11.
Weekly U.S. production figures are also expected to garner added investor attention after the EIA said Monday it expected U.S. crude-oil production from seven major U.S. shale plays to grow by 144,000 barrels a day in June to 7.178 million barrels a day.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) releases its monthly report at 4:00AM ET, outlining key developments impacting oil market trends.
Crude oil prices settled higher on Tuesday as the prospect of lower global crude supplies following U.S. sanctions on Iran continued to support sentiment.
Crude oil futures settled 35 cents higher at $71.31 a barrel.
3. Macy’s Quarterly Report in Focus
Macy’s is expected to report first-quarter earnings of 40 cents per share on $5.42 billion before U.S. markets open Wednesday.
Shares of Macy’s have rallied more than 20% over the past year, supported by tax reform and signs of progress that the retailer’s turnaround efforts are working after fourth-quarter results beat estimates.
During the fourth quarter, Macy's posted a 1.4% increase in comparable-store sales – a key measure used by analysts to the gauge the performance of retailers – breaking a streak of 11 quarterly declines in a row.
In the run up to Macy’s quarterly report, some analysts have tempered expectations, claiming that adverse weather likely weighed on sales during the quarter. While others questioned whether the retailer’s real estate gains would continue to offset the deterioration of its core retail business.
Macy’s Inc (NYSE:M) closed at $29.95, up 1.08%.