4/11/2011 – theGrio and CNBC Market Update

VIDEO - We'll get a read on the consumer with the March retail sales report which tracks food, clothing and auto sales. In February sales rose 1 percent, marking 8 straight months of gains...

TheGrio Staff

Apr 11, 2011

This week investors will get a read on consumers with earnings reports from Ruby Tuesday, Rite Aid, and beer and wine maker – Constellation Brands. There’s also quite a bit of data expected this week with reports on the economy, retail sales and inflation.

We’ll gain insight on the economy with the Fed’s beige book – which looks at economic trends from the Fed’s 12 districts such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas. The last report showed the economy is strengthening with modest improvement in the labor market.

We’ll get a read on the consumer with the March retail sales report which tracks food, clothing and auto sales. In February sales rose 1 percent, marking 8 straight months of gains. Driven by higher gas prices and more spending on clothes.

Is inflation a concern? We’ll find out with the March consumer price index report – which tracks price changes for food, clothing, and energy. In February prices rose a half of one percent – a little higher than expected – driven by higher gas prices.