HUNCHTRADES

[RULiquid]

Smoke signals for economy harder to read
Consumer spending, manufacturing may be on the softer side
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The U.S. economy is sending hazy signals again and the picture is unlikely to turn crystal clear this week.

First the good news. Sales of new homes probably pushed higher in January. Consumer confidence might perk up again. And updated government figures should show the economy grew in the fourth quarter instead of shrinking for the first time in three and a half years.

On a less positive note, orders for big-ticket items such as airplanes, autos and appliances likely tumbled in the first month of the year. What’s more, a key gauge of U.S. manufacturing is expected to show slippage. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/smoke-signals-for-economy-harder-to-read-2013-02-24