Economic numbers you need to know…Week of July 7, 2014

US Economic Calendar for the Week of July 7, 2014

The economic calendar in this article provides the days and times for this weeks key releases containing data that will impact the direction interest rates may move in the short and intermediate-term.

In addition it will provide anecdotal evidence about the future direction of US economic growth and actual proof of the current condition of the economy.

That said the upcoming post-July 4th holiday week is somewhat light in terms of critical data points.

Late last week, however, we learned from the 800-pound gorilla of economic data, the employment report for June released on Thursday, was very strong with 288,000 non-farm payroll jobs created.

Despite the fact that the labor force participation rate remains at 30-year lows, that non-farm payroll numbers and an unemployment rate that dropped to 6.1% sparked a rally in stocks (Dow above 17,000) and a move up in interest rates.

As has also been the case for some time now, the markets will be watching geopolitical hotspots that have the potential for serious flare-ups with global implications.

Continuing on the front-burner is the continuing and escalating violence in Iraq as the radical militant group, ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), moves steadily towards Baghdad leaving death and destruction in its wake.

Also cause for concern are the moves currently being made by the government of Ukraine to recover lost territory.

As a result of this turmoil, oil prices have been surging (although off recent highs) as there is a fear that these and other conflicts in the Middle East could impact the supply of oil to countries in the west.

Finally, in conjunction with economic data and the potential for breaking news, comments from Federal Reserve members both scheduled and impromptu will be parsed by market participants for possible clues about the future direction of monetary policy and for any further tapering of bond purchases by the Fed.

Courtesy of Econoday this is the chart of the US economic data to be released during the week of July 7, 2014 along with scheduled speeches by members of the Federal Reserve.

The chart below also includes the upcoming treasury auction calendar!

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Written by Michael Haltman, President of Hallmark Abstract Service, New York.

HAS is a provider of title insurance in New York State for residential and commercial real estate transactions specializing in the areas of New York City, Long Island and Westchester.

Remember that you have the right to choose your own title company!

If you have any questions you can reach Michael by email at mhaltman@hallmarkabstractllc.com.