What to Look Out for in Economic Data This Week (December 22-26)
It's a slow week for economic data, but all eyes will be on the shutdown-delayed release of third-quarter GDP data.
The holiday-shortened week is relatively light on economic data, though Wall Street will be tuned into Tuesday morning's release of gross domestic product (GDP) data. This will provide investors and economists the first look at third-quarter GDP as the initial release was delayed due to the government shutdown.
As a reminder, the stock and bond markets will close early on Wednesday, December 24, for Christmas Eve. Both will be fully closed on Thursday, December 25, for the Christmas Day holiday.
Economic data we're watching
Tuesday, December 23: Gross domestic product (GDP): Economic growth likely remained strong in the third quarter.
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Read on to see the entire weekly economic calendar of the most important upcoming economic reports scheduled to be released in the next several days. At times, we provide expanded previews and recaps for select reports.
Please check back often. This economic calendar is updated regularly. Bolded reports are those considered more noteworthy. All reporting times are in Eastern Time.
Reports that have been delayed due to the government shutdown are marked with an asterisk (*).
Monday (12/22)
There are no noteworthy economic reports scheduled for release on Monday, December 22.
Tuesday (12/23)
Time released | Economic report | Period |
8:30 am | Gross domestic product (GDP)* | Q3 |
8:30 am | Durable goods* | October |
10 am | The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index | December |
Shutdown-delayed GDP data likely to show economic growth remained strong in Q3
Gross domestic product data provides the broadest measure of economic growth. In the second quarter, GDP grew at an impressive 3.8% annualized rate as consumer spending and declining imports offset drops in investment and exports.
David Payne, staff economist at The Kiplinger Letter, says third-quarter GDP could come in around a "robust" 3%.
"Consumer spending on electric vehicles before the EV tax credit ended on September 30, plus the continuing ramp-up in business spending on artificial intelligence, will have supported third-quarter growth, despite continued weakness in housing, nonresidential construction and government spending," Payne writes in the Kiplinger GDP outlook.
Wednesday (12/24)
As a reminder, the stock market will close early at 1 pm Eastern Standard Time on December 24, while the bond market will close at 2 pm.
Time released | Economic report | Period |
8:30 am | Weekly jobless claims | Week ending December 20 |
Thursday (12/25)
There are no noteworthy economic reports scheduled for release on Thursday, December 25. As a reminder, the stock and bond markets will be closed in observance of the Christmas Day holiday.
Friday (12/26)
There are no noteworthy economic reports scheduled for release on Friday, December 26. The stock and bond markets are open and will observe regular trading hours.
Reporting schedules are provided Forex Factory and MarketWatch.
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