Wednesday brought Durable Goods Orders, New Home Sales and Consumer Sentiment figures. Businesses remain skittish about making big investments: Orders for durable or long-lasting U.S.-made goods such as computers and heavy machinery softened again in November. Orders for durable goods were flat last month following a 2.9% increase in October, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. Analysts were anticipating 0.6% decrease. And they would have fallen a sharp 1.5% if not for an large increase in orders from the Pentagon. In some industrial segments demand was robust.

New Home Sales showed a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 490,000, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. Analysts were anticipating rate of 507,000. That was the highest in three months. November’s tally was up 4.3% from a revised 470,000 rate in October. Sales were 9.1% higher compared to a year ago. Separate report showed that confidence ended the year on a brighter note as low prices put U.S. consumers in the holiday spirit. The University of Michigan said Wednesday that its final sentiment index for the month climbed to 92.6, the highest since July, from 91.3 in November. The median projection of economists called for a reading of 92 after December’s preliminary figure of 91.8.

Thursday was marked by Unemployment Claims figures. In the week ending December 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 267,000, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's revised level. Analysts were anticipating decline to 270,000. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 271,000 to 272,000. The 4-week moving average was 272,500, an increase of 1,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 270,500 to 270,750. 

This week markets will be looking at:

CB Consumer Confidence (Tuesday 16:00)

Pending Home Sales (Wednesday 16:00)

Unemployment Claims (Thursday 14:30)