A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming this week:
HELP WANTED
The Labor Department issues its June tally of U.S. job openings Monday.
The rapidly rebounding economy has been generating intense demand for workers this year. In May, employers advertised a record 9.21 million jobs, while the percentage of workers getting laid off hit a record low. The trends reflect a tight job market, with employers forced to pay more to attract workers yet still struggling to fill open jobs.
Job openings, by month:
Jan. 7,099,000
Feb. 7,526,000
March 8,288,000
April 9,193,000
May 9,209,000
June (est.) 9,125,000
Source: FactSet
EYE ON INFLATION
A gauge of U.S. consumer prices is expected to show inflation edged lower last month.
The Labor Department’s consumer price index, due out Wednesday, is projected to show a gain of 5.3% for the 12 months ended in July. That would be down slightly from an annual increase of 5.4% in May, the biggest 12-month inflation spike since August 2008. Prices have been rising this year, unsettling financial markets and raising concerns that higher inflation could weaken the economic recovery.
Consumer price index, annual percent change, not seasonally adjusted:
Feb. 1.7
March 2.6
April 4.2
May 5.0
June 5.4
July (est.) 5.3
Source: FactSet
THE MOUSE HOUSE
Walt Disney serves up its fiscal third-quarter results Thursday.
Wall Street predicts the entertainment conglomerate’s earnings and revenue increased sharply in the April-June quarter versus a year earlier, when lockdowns aimed at stemming the pandemic led many people to postpone vacation travel and rely on streamed video for entertainment. Investors will be listening for an updated outlook on Disney’s streaming video service, theme parks and vacation resorts.
