Keystone's Key Events and Market Movers Week of 4/2/12

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Keystone presents the following underlying market currents, sometimes subtle, sometimes turbulent, that move global markets in real time.  The key dates and times below typically correspond to market pivot points.

Key Dates and Times for the Week Ahead:

·         Monday, 4/2/12:  The European debt crisis drama continues; Greece, Portugal, Hungary, Spain and Italy all remain at risk. Spain violence and budget requires watching. Congress is not in session until 4/16/12, thus a market positive for next two weeks then market negative from 4/16/12 and on. China PMI to be sorted out by the copper and commodities markets. China says a slower approach to easing is ahead and the PMI was slightly stronger backing up this notion, but, the more trusted HSBC  number, although both are manipulated, drops lower and remains under the 50 level showing contraction which would hint at triple R cuts which would be a stimulus to the copper, commodities and equities markets. First day of the new quarter, Q2, watch to see if money flows into the markets helping with market buoancy, or not. Construction Spending 10 AM-useful employment gauge. ISM Mfg Index 10 AM-watch the energy markets. Fed’s Bullard speaks 10 AM. Fed’s Pianalto speaks 12:35 PM. Earnings: PBY, TLB.

·         Tuesday, 4/3/12: Motor Vehicle Sales. Factory Orders 10 AM. FOMC Minutes 2 PM.  Fed’s Williams speaks 4:05 PM.  Earnings: CMVT, MIND.

·         Wednesday, 4/4/12: ECB Rate Decision and Press Conference--no change in rates expected. Markets are typically buoyant the two days in front of a three-day holiday weekend, also typically buoyant in front of the full moon. Mortgage Purchase Applications 7 AM. Challenger Job Report 7:30 AM.  ADP Employment Report 8:15 AM-provides an early read on Friday’s jobs report. ISM Non-Mfg Index 10 AM. Oil Inventories 10:30 AM. Fed’s Williams speaks 11 AM. Earnings: GPN, MON, NWPX, RT.

·         Thursday, 4/5/12:  Chain Store Sales. Jobless Claims 8:30 AM. Natty Inventories 10:30 AM. Fed Balance Sheet and Money Supply 4:30 PM.  Earnings: KMX, STZ, EFSC, PIR, SCHN, WDFC.

·         Friday, 4/6/12: Full Moon. U.S. Markets are Closed in Observance of Good Friday. Monster Employment Index.  Jobs Report 8:30 AM. SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) Closes Early 12 Noon.  Consumer Credit 3 PM. Earnings: BVX, CNET.

·         Wednesday, 4/11/12: Beige Book 2 PM.

·         Thursday, 4/12/12: PPI 8:30 AM.

·         Friday, 4/13/12:  CPI 8:30 AM. Consumer Sentiment 9:55 AM.