Business week ahead, March 5-9

KEY EVENT: Gobs of jobs news. Separate updates on unemployment and jobs created on Long Island and nationally may give an early indication of the direction of the local and national economy in 2018.

MONDAY: The Institute for Supply Management releases the February services-sector index, an update on the health of nonmanufacturing businesses such as retailers, restaurants and technology. Earnings: Lake Success payroll services provider Newtek Business Services.

TUESDAY: January factory orders from the Commerce Department. Earnings: H&R Block, Ross Stores, Target.

WEDNESDAY: Payroll processor ADP releases its estimate of private-sector jobs created in February. Also, the Federal Reserve releases the February beige book, a preview of still-early and unofficial economic data. Earnings: Abercrombie & Fitch, Costco Wholesale, Dollar Tree.

THURSDAY: Unemployment and jobs created on Long Island in January from the state Labor Department. The department will also release revised jobs data for all of 2017. And jobless benefits claims for the week ended March 3 from the U.S. Labor Department. Earnings: Medford medical tests maker Chembio Diagnostics, supermarket owner Kroger.

FRIDAY: The nation’s employment situation in February from the U.S. Labor Department. The report includes jobs created, the unemployment rate and an update on workers’ wages.

— Peter King