Crude and gas supply inventory levels.

Initial jobless claims measure the number of filings for state jobless benefits.

Housing Starts are a measure of the number of residential units on which construction is begun each month. A start in construction is defined as the beginning of excavation of the foundation for the building and is comprised primarily of residential housing. Building permits are permits taken out in order to allow excavation. An increase in building permits and starts usually occurs a few months after a reduction in mortgage rates. Permits lead starts, but permits are not required in all regions of the country, and the level of permits therefore tends to be less than the level of starts over time.

The retail sales report is a measure of the total receipts of retail stores.

Though not a market-moving release, export/import prices are a useful indication of inflation pressures created by changes in foreign exchange rates.

Though not a market-moving release, export/import prices are a useful indication of inflation pressures created by changes in foreign exchange rates.

The trade report is most widely watched for trends in the overall trade balance. But trends in both exports and imports of goods and services bear watching as well.

The employment report is actually two separate reports which are the results of two separate surveys. The household survey is a survey of roughly 60,000 households. This survey produces the unemployment rate. The establishment survey is a survey of 375,000 businesses. This survey produces the nonfarm payrolls, average workweek, and average hourly earnings figures, to name a few. Both surveys cover the payroll period which includes the 12th of each month.

Consumer credit is broken down into three categories: auto, revolving (ie, credit card), and other.

The non-manufacturing ISM report is a national survey of purchasing managers which covers new orders, employment, inventories, supplier delivery times, prices, backlog orders, export orders, and import orders.