9:45a Chicago PMI
Index 59.5 actual vs 63.8 prior
Consensus Outlook
After five straight readings above 60 or very near 60, forecasters see February's Chicago PMI coming in at 61.0. Note that employment, at 43.4 in January, has been substantially lagging in this report.
Definition
The Institute For Supply Management - Chicago compiles a survey and a composite diffusion index of business conditions in the Chicago area. Since October 2011, the survey has been conducted by Market News International. Manufacturing and non-manufacturing firms both are surveyed. Hence, it is not directly comparable to pure manufacturing surveys. Readings above 50 indicate an expanding business sector.
10:00a Consumer Sentiment
Index 76.8 actual vs 76.2 prior
Consensus Outlook
Consumer sentiment fell unexpected to a very subdued 76.2 in the preliminary February report with 76.4 the expectation for the month's final reading.
Definition
The University of Michigan's Consumer Survey Center questions 600 households each month on their financial conditions and attitudes about the economy. Consumer sentiment is directly related to the strength of consumer spending. Consumer confidence and consumer sentiment are two ways of talking about consumer attitudes. Among economic reports, consumer sentiment refers to the Michigan survey while consumer confidence refers to The Conference Board's survey. Preliminary estimates for a month are released at mid-month. Final estimates for a month are released near the end of the month.
Dan 
