Data to be released this week continue to focus on fourth-quarter economic performance. While all agree the quarter was nothing to write home about, it is important to study the data for direction that could carry into 2003. There haven't been enough trading days in the New Year to discern a trend for investors. Even though investors overseas were dismissive of President Bush's stimulus package, they will be quietly observing the outcome. The bottom line is that Europe and Asia need U.S. growth to foster their own. And despite all the moaning and groaning about the anemic expansion in the U.S., it is still better than what's being generated in either the EMU or Japan.

Last Week's Highlights   •   Global Stock Market Indexes   •   Recap of Global Markets   •   Currencies   •  Indicator Scoreboard

The Bottom Line   •   Looking Ahead