This week's economic calendar is relatively quiet, though it does feature a handful of appearances from Federal Reserve speakers. Thursday's release of initial jobless claims will likely draw attention, too, as Wall Street looks to gauge the strength of the labor market ahead of the next Fed meeting.
Thursday, November 21: Initial jobless claims: Jobless claims keep falling.
You can read on to see the entire weekly economic calendar of the most important upcoming economic reports scheduled to be released over the next several days. At times, we provide expanded previews and recaps for select reports.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Please check back often. This economic calendar is updated regularly. Bolded reports are those considered more noteworthy and all reporting times are in Eastern Time.
Economic calendar highlights
Monday (11/18)
| Economic report | Period | Time released |
| NAHB Housing Market Index | November | 10:00 am |
| Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks | N/A | 10:00 am |
Tuesday (11/19)
| Economic report | Period | Time released |
| Housing starts | October | 8:30 am |
| Building permits | October | 8:30 am |
| Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks | N/A | 12:25 pm |
Wednesday (11/20)
There are no noteworthy economic reports scheduled for release on Wednesday, November 20.
Thursday (11/21)
Jobless claims continue to fall
Data from the Labor Department showed that initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 last week to 213,000.
"Those expecting the labor market to crack are going to have to keep waiting," says Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. "Another moderate jobless claims total underscores the U.S. economy's persistent strength. But as the Fed has recently hinted, that strength may slow the pace at which they cut rates."
According to CME Group's FedWatch Tool, futures traders are currently pricing in a 56% chance the Fed will cut rates by a quarter-percentage point at its December meeting, down from 72% one week ago. Odds that it will hold rates steady have risen to 44% from 28%.
| Economic report | Period | Time released |
| Weekly jobless claims | Week ended November 16 | 8:30 am |
| Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey | November | 8:30 am |
| Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack speaks | N/A | 8:45 am |
| Existing home sales | October | 10:00 am |
| Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid speaks | N/A | 1:10 pm |
Friday (11/22)
| Economic report | Period | Time released |
| S&P Global Flash Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) | November | 9:45 am |
| S&P Global Flash Manufacturing PMI | November | 9:45 am |
| University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (final) | November | 10:00 am |
Reporting schedules are provided Forex Factory and MarketWatch.
Related content
-
Trump Picks Dr. Oz as Head of Medicare and MedicaidPresident-elect Donald Trump picked Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Here's what to know about the former TV host.
-
What's Next for MicroStrategy Stock as Bitcoin Nears $100K?MicroStrategy stock is up more than fivefold in 2024 thanks to a furious rally in bitcoin. Here's what you need to know.
-
What's Next for MicroStrategy Stock as Bitcoin Nears $100,000?
MicroStrategy stock is up more than fivefold in 2024 thanks to a furious rally in bitcoin. Here's what you need to know.
-
BJ's Wholesale Pops on Membership Fee Hike, Stock BuybacksBJ's stock is rallying Thursday after the warehouse club raised its membership fee for the first time in seven years and unveiled a big stock buyback program. Here's what you need to know.
-
Why Snowflake Stock Is Still a Buy After EarningsSnowflake stock is surging Thursday after cloud company beat expectations for its third quarter and raised its full-year outlook. Here's what you need to know.
-
To Future-Proof Retirement Security, We Need Better StrategiesWith retirees living longer and the inequalities that affect women and people of color, the retirement system needs some optimization. Here’s what would help.
-
Here's Why We All Win When Charitable Dollars Go to WomenGiving to charities for women and girls not only has a lasting impact on their lives — it also benefits society as a whole. Here’s how to start investing.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Close Mixed Amid War Angst, Nvidia AnxietyMarkets went into risk-off mode amid rising geopolitical tensions and high anxiety ahead of bellwether Nvidia's earnings report.
-
What the Comcast Cable Spinoff Means for InvestorsComcast has announced plans to spin off select cable networks and digital assets into a separate publicly traded company. Here's what you need to know.
-
TJX Stock: Wall Street Stays Bullish After EarningsTJX stock is trading lower Wednesday despite the TJ Maxx owner's beat-and-raise quarter, but analysts aren't worried. Here's why.
