Looking Ahead: Week of January 8 to January 12
Market News International compiles a market consensus that surveys 15 - 20 economists each week.

Monday
Economists are predicting that consumer installment credit will increase 8.6 billion in November after surging $16.7 billion in October. According to the Federal Reserve Board, where the data are compiled, the October spurt included a one-time special adjustment. Weaker auto and retail sales should point to slower growth in consumer credit going forward. (Forecast range: $6.0 to $10.9 billion)

Thursday
Market participants are expecting new jobless claims to edge up 5,000 in the week ended January 6 from last week's 3754,000 level. (Forecast range: -10,000 to +5,000)

The consensus forecast is calling for import prices to record an increase of 0.1 percent in December after edging up 0.2 percent in November. At the same time, they are predicting export prices to remain unchanged for the month.

Friday
Retail sales are expected to decrease 0.4 percent in December matching the drop posted in November. This reflects declines in auto and truck sales. (Forecast range: -0.1 to -0.9 percent) Excluding the volatile auto group, retail sales are expected to edge up a meager 0.1 percent in December after increasing 0.2 percent in the previous month. This reflects anecdotal evidence that retail sales were subpar this year. Keep in mind, though, that sales were phenomenal a year ago in anticipation of Y2K celebrations! (Forecast range: -0.4 to +0.6 percent)

Economists are predicting that the producer price index will edge up 0.1 percent in December. This would match the November gain. (Forecast range: -0.1 to +0.4 percent) Excluding food and energy prices, the PPI is expected to edge up 0.1 percent in December after reporting no change in the previous month. (Forecast range: -0.1 to +0.1 percent)