The week ahead: March 12-16
Key event. FSA: Use it or lose it. Employees with medical flexible spending accounts whose yearly plans have a 2½ month extended "grace period" expiring March 15 will lose any 2011 funds in the account unless they spend the money on qualified health expenses by Thursday.
Monday. Earnings from racetrack owner Churchill Downs and apparel retailer Urban Outfitters.
Only 25¢ for 5 months
Key event. FSA: Use it or lose it. Employees with medical flexible spending accounts whose yearly plans have a 2½ month extended "grace period" expiring March 15 will lose any 2011 funds in the account unless they spend the money on qualified health expenses by Thursday.
Monday. Earnings from racetrack owner Churchill Downs and apparel retailer Urban Outfitters.
Tuesday. Unemployment rates and jobs gained or lost in January for Nassau, Suffolk and Long Island as a whole from the New York State Department of Labor. Also, the Federal Reserve issues its decision on interest rates and the Commerce Department releases retail sales for February. Earnings: Melville business software maker FalconStor.
Wednesday. February import and export prices from the Labor Department.
Thursday. Producer prices for February and jobless claims for the week ended March 10, both from the Labor Department. Also, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's March Empire State index, a snapshot of manufacturing activity in New York State. Earnings: Ross Stores.
Friday. The Labor Department releases the consumer price index for February, the month's chief inflation indicator. Also, the Commerce Department reports on industrial production for February and the University of Michigan releases consumer sentiment for early March.