Business week ahead, Dec. 10-14

KEY EVENT: Inflation watch: The Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates as a hedge against inflation, even though price increases have been muted nationally and especially locally. The Labor Department releases an updated inflation report Wednesday — consumer prices for November. The report includes a breakout of prices in the 25 Northeast counties, including Long Island.

MONDAY: The number of unfilled U.S. jobs as of Oct. 31 from the Labor Department. In the previous report, there were more than 7 million unfilled jobs as of Sept. 30.

TUESDAY: A look at inflationary pressures at the wholesalers level: producer prices for November from the Labor Department. Earnings: Dave & Buster's.

WEDNESDAY: Middle Country Public Library in Centereach holds a free Business Bites workshop, featuring a collection of quick tips that can help any small-business owner and entrepreneur. The workshop starts at 9 a.m., but get there at 8:30 a.m. for networking.

THURSDAY: Jobless benefits claims for the week ended Dec. 8 and import and export prices for November, both from the Labor Department. Earnings: Adobe, Costco.

FRIDAY: An early look at the holiday shopping season: November retail sales from the Commerce Department. Also from the Commerce Department: November industrial production.