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Week Ahead: A Glimpse Into the State of the Consumer

Earnings reports for some major retailers as well as retail-sales data will offer clues into how consumers are feeling.

Week Ahead: A Glimpse Into the State of the Consumer

Nov 8, 2015

Jeremy Glaser: For Morningstar, I'm Jeremy Glaser. Welcome to The Week Ahead: Our quick take on what investors should have on their radar screens for the week starting Nov. 9.

After a busy month for earnings and data, the pace of news should slow considerably this week. Several big retailers including Macy's (M), Nordstrom (JWN), and Kohl's (KSS) are due to report. Macy's and Kohl's had disappointing second-quarter results, while Nordstrom continued its streak of outperformance. We'll be watching to see if these trends continue and also get some more information on the state of consumer spending.

Online travel agency Priceline (PCLN) reports on Monday, and investors will look to see if the firm's streak of impressive booking growth--particularly in its important overseas markets--can continue or if macroeconomic woes are leading to any cutback in travel.

Retail sales, due Friday, will likely be the most-watched data release. This data is quite volatile month to month and isn't adjusted for inflation, but it still can provide a valuable look at how consumers are holding up.

After October's stellar jobs report, we will see some other labor-market metrics this week, including job openings and initial unemployment-claims data.

Stay tuned to Morningstar for our take on all of these stories throughout the week.

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