Economic Data for this week

Recent data on manufacturing have been positive. This week’s numbers will indicate if the spring thaw is spreading to non-manufacturing with reports from Markit and ISM. A special factor (Olympic fees) widened February’s trade deficit and there could be some reversal. With the surprisingly sharp drop in Friday’s employment report, markets and the Fed will be looking at other labor market data for corroboration of improvement or not. That data includes this week’s JOLTS report with data on job openings, hires, and separations.