Business Week Index

THE WEEK AHEAD

EXISTING-HOME SALES

Monday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.EST -- Sales of existing homes likely dropped to an

annual rate of 3.9 million in October. That would mean that existing-home sales

have fallen for five months in a row. Resales declined 2.9% in September, to a

4.02 million pace.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m.EST -- The Conference Board's index of consumer

confidence probably increased to 107.4 in November, according to the median

forecast of economists surveyed by MMS International, one of The McGraw-Hill

Companies. The confidence index fell in October, to 106.2 from 111.8 in

September. But the level is still quite high, thanks in part to solid job

growth.

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 8:30 a.m.EST -- The MMS economists expect that even after

revising data for the GDP components, the Commerce Dept. will report no change

in its initial calculation that the overall economy grew at an annual rate of

2.2% in the third quarter. However, final demand likely contributed more to

growth last quarter than was first thought, and inventory accumulation will be

revised down. The MMS median forecast also expects that aftertax corporate

profits edged up 0.7% in the third quarter. If so, earnings would be about 7%

above their year-ago level. That increase is down from the 8.7% yearly gain in

the second quarter.

DURABLE GOODS ORDERS

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m.EST -- New orders for durable goods likely fell 1%

in October. September bookings jumped 4.9%, but much of that came from aircraft

orders.

PERSONAL INCOME

Friday, Nov. 29, 8:30 a.m.EST -- Personal income probably increased a mere

0.1% in October after a strong 0.6% advance in September, says the median MMS

forecast. Consumer spending likely rose 0.3% last month, on top of a 0.1% gain

in September.