Looking Ahead: April 8 through April 12, 2013

Three central banks preferred to keep their respective monetary policies unchanged, but the Bank of Japan startled investors by introducing a more expansive stimulus package than most anticipated. Economic data were mostly disappointing, especially data from the Eurozone. U.S. employment data also disappointed. Perhaps employers were holding back thanks to the looming sequester than lingered throughout the month. This week is expected to be slower and calmer than last week even with the earnings season beginning in the U.S. Most data releases revolve around industrial output and merchandise trade. China begins releasing its spate of March economic data including consumer and producer price indexes and international trade.