Looking Ahead: Week of January 21 to January 25
Market News International compiles a market consensus that surveys 15 to 20 economists each week.

Tuesday
The index of leading indicators is predicted to post an increase of 0.8 percent in December on top of gains in the two previous months. Stock prices, consumer expectations and jobless claims are just a few of the indicators that are helping to boost the index for the month. (Forecast range: 0.2 to 1.2 percent)

Economists are predicting that the Treasury budget will record a surplus to the tune of $24 billion for the month of December. A surplus was posted in December in five of the past six years. The projected surplus for December 2001 is about two-thirds the size of the surplus recorded in the same month in 1999 and 2000. (Forecast range: $20.0 to $26.0 billion)

Thursday
Economists are predicting that new jobless claims will increase 16,000 to 400,000 in the week ended January 19 after two straight declines in weekly claims. Some economists are viewing this as a sign of economic recovery since claims; the National Bureau of Economic Research believes it is premature to call a recovery. (Forecast range: -4,000 to +26,000)

Friday
The market consensus shows that existing home sales are expected to remain unchanged in December from November's selling pace of 5.21 million units. Mortgage rates ticked up a bit in December, but remain low by historical standards. (Forecast range: 5.00 to 5.35 million-unit rate)