The Week Ahead, April 7-11

KEY EVENT: Price to pay. Inflation has remained under control for the past few years, but will a brutally cold winter that ratcheted up the cost of fuel and food cause prices on other items to rise in the spring? On Friday, the Labor Department releases March wholesale prices. If the report shows producers of goods and services raised their prices last month, consumers can expect to pay more over the next few months as costs are passed along.

MONDAY: Are Americans cutting back on their credit card spending? The Federal Reserve's consumer credit report for February offers answers.

TUESDAY: The National Federation of Independent Business posts its small business owners optimism index for March. Earnings: Alcoa.

WEDNESDAY: The Federal Reserve releases its March meeting minutes. The report presents an insider's look at Janet Yellen's management style at her first Fed meeting as chair. Also, the Commerce Department posts wholesale trade for February. Earnings: Melville industrial supplies distributor MSC Industrial Direct.

THURSDAY: Claims for jobless benefits for the week ended April 5 from the Labor Department. Earnings: Family Dollar.

FRIDAY: Consumer sentiment in early April from the University of Michigan. Earnings: JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo.

-- PETER KING