The Week Ahead

Figures of the Week

The Week Ahead

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

Tuesday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m.EDT The Conference Board's index of consumer confidence was likely unchanged in September from its August reading of 135.8. That's the median forecast of economists surveyed by Standard & Poor's MMS, a unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Confidence is historically high, thanks to strong labor markets and a rising stock market.DURABLE GOODS ORDERS

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 8:30 a.m.EDT New orders taken by durable-goods manufacturers probably fell 0.5% in August, after a large 3.6% advance in July.NEW HOME SALES

Thursday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.EDT New homes likely sold at an annual rate of 960,000 in August, down from a 980,000 pace in July. Despite the expected fall, home sales are on track to have their best year ever.PERSONAL INCOME

Friday, Oct. 1, 8:30 a.m.EDT The S&P MMS median forecasts expect that personal income increased by 0.4% in August and consumer spending advanced 0.6%. The strong spending gain is suggested by the 1.2% jump in retail sales for the month. In July, personal income grew a modest 0.2%, while spending was up by 0.4%.NAPM SURVEY

Friday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.EDT The National Association of Purchasing Management's business index probably hit 54.5% in September, a bit better than the 54.2% reading in August.CONSTRUCTION SPENDING

Friday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.EDT Building outlays likely edged up 0.3% in August, following a 0.5% drop in July.