On Friday, the BEA is expected to report that US real GDP grew at an annualised rate of just over 1 per cent in Q1, after 2.1 per cent in Q4 2016.
This, however, should not be cause for concern, as other figures in the week will suggest growth will pick up in Q2. The Conference Board is expected to say on Tuesday that consumer confidence is close to a 17-year high, which should herald stronger consumer spending. Figures the same day should show that sales of new homes are up some 12 per cent on a year ago; this too is often associated with higher consumer spending. And Thursday's durable goods orders should show a small rise.