Looking Ahead: Week of February 5 to February 9
Market News International compiles a market consensus that surveys 15 - 20 economists each week.

Wednesday
The consensus forecast is showing that nonfarm business productivity grew at a 1.7 percent rate in the fourth quarter, significantly lower than the third quarter pace of 3.3 percent, and significantly less than the 6.1 percent pace recorded in the second quarter of the year. However, it is important to keep in mind that low productivity figures are common with lower GDP figures and real GDP growth moderated sharply in the fourth quarter. (Forecast range: 1.0 percent to 2.7 percent) At the same time, unit labor costs are expected to rise at a 4.0 percent rate in the fourth quarter, faster than the 2.9 percent rate posted in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter of 1999, the unit labor cost index had dropped sharply. (Forecast range: 2.8 to 5.0 percent)

Economists are predicting consumer installment credit will increase $8.2 billion in December after gaining $12.9 billion in November. This reflects softer retail and auto sales. (Forecast range: 42.0 to 45.0 percent)

Thursday
Market participants are expecting new jobless claims to increase 4,000 in the week ended February 3 from last week's 346,000 level. (Forecast range: -1,000 to +14,000)