Markets Face Pivotal Week Amid Greek Deadlock, U.S. Data Glut

Pivotal is proving Wall Street’s word for the week. That’s how Barclays Plc and Credit Agricole SA describe the next five days: Greece faces a payment deadline to the International Monetary Fund; the U.S. releases a glut of data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s next move; central banks in Brazil and India may further widen a gap in emerging-market monetary policies.

U.S. factory activity expands in July, pace slows: Markit

(Reuters) - The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in July, but the pace of growth slipped from the previous month as growth in output, new orders and employment slowed, an industry report showed on Friday.

Jobless claims, factory data put some shine on economy

(Reuters) - New claims for jobless benefits hovered near their pre-recession levels last week and manufacturing in the Mid-Atlantic region accelerated in April, suggesting an upswing in economic activity after a brutally cold winter.

US retail sales see biggest gain in 18 months

US retail sales saw their biggest gain in 18 months in March, according to official figures. It is a further sign that the economy is shrugging off the effects of the third-coldest winter on record, which affected economic activity.

Fed's Stein: Financial Stability Considerations Should Influence Monetary Policy

WASHINGTON--Federal Reserve Governor Jeremy Stein on Friday said the central bank should raise interest rates when needed to prevent financial excesses from building in markets and argued the bond market may provide guidance to policy makers on when financial vulnerabilities exist.

U.S. economic activity gauge edges up in December

(Reuters) - A gauge of future U.S. economic activity rose modestly in December, suggesting a gradual strengthening in growth.

U.S. stores hope for "Mega Monday" of brisk sales

(Reuters) - Shoppers found a mixed bag of bargains and so-so deals on Monday, as a day off for many Americans and warm, dry weather lured some out for what was likely to be the third busiest shopping day of the holiday season.