M
arket Watch: Key Earnings and Economic Indicators

    This week's economic calendar is marked by a mix of earnings reports, inflation data, and real estate numbers. Let's break down the highlights:

    On Monday, Wall Street kicked off with impressive earnings from Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., M&T Bank Corp, and Pinnacle Financial Partners, all beating their prior-year quarter estimates.

    In Canada, wholesale trade sales rose 1.2% in January to $85.1 billion, while motor vehicle sales declined by 10% to 121,600 units.

    Tuesday's economic lookahead includes the import price index and Empire State manufacturing survey, both crucial indicators of inflation and economic growth.

    Johnson & Johnson, Bank of America Corp, and Morgan Stanley reported earnings that met expectations, with J&J's EPS at $2.59, BAC's at 81 cents, and MS's at $2.26.

    Canada's Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.6% year-over-year in February, driven by higher prices for food and shelter. National home sales dropped 9.8% month-over-month, according to CREAstats.

    Wednesday's economic lookahead features U.S. retail sales, industrial production, capacity utilization, business inventories, and the home builder confidence index.

    Abbott Laboratories, Prologis Inc, and US Bancorp reported earnings that beat their prior-year quarter estimates, with ABT's EPS at $1.07, PLD's at $1.38, and USB's at 99 cents.

    The Bank of Canada reduced its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points in March, bringing it to 2.75%. Metro Inc. reported a Q2 EPS of $1.02 compared to $1.10 in the prior-year quarter.

    Thursday's economic lookahead includes initial jobless claims, housing starts, and building permits. UnitedHealth Group Inc, Netflix Inc, and American Express Co reported earnings that beat their prior-year quarter estimates.

    Canada's foreign investors acquired $7.9 billion of Canadian securities in January, led by a surge in bond market investments.