The Week Ahead: How Are Retailers Faring?

Jeremy Glaser: Here's what's on tap this week.

Best Buy has seen some encouraging results recently, driven by what R.J. Hottovy says are strong consumer trends and as management has worked to make the firm more relevant. But Hottovy thinks that sales will eventually slow down and sees shares as overvalued today.

Cisco reports on Wednesday as the firm continues its pivot toward software and services.

Gap has turned in three consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth, but Bridget Weishaar doesn't think the firm is out of the woods yet as they continue to face intense competition. The firm reports on Thursday. Wal-Mart and Target will also report this week. Target showed some momentum last quarter, but analyst John Brick still sees the firm as lacking a long-term competitive edge. Wal-Mart, on the other hand, possess a wide economic moat, and Brick thinks that firm can keep driving economic profits into the future.

On the data side, retail sales will provide a glimpse into the state of the consumer. We'll get some inflation data with the consumer price index. Industrial production will provide an update on the manufacturing economy, while housing starts and building permits are also due.

Stay tuned for our take on these stories.