Probably the four most important data releases for tracking the economy are 1) the monthly employment report, 2) the quarterly GDP report, 3) the monthly housing starts report, and 4) the new home sales report. Only the employment report is being released on time.



The government shutdown is delaying 3 out of 4 of these critical reports - so we are flying blind.



Friday:

• At 8:30 AM, Durable Goods Orders for December from the Census Bureau. The consensus is for a 1.8% increase in durable goods orders.



• At 10:00 AM, POSTPONED New Home Sales for December from the Census Bureau. The consensus is for 565 thousand SAAR.