Important Washington Events Next Week

Just because the year is coming to a close tomorrow doesn't mean that Washington and the economy is going into an off season. Next week, Congress picks back up into gear, returning from their holiday break with some very important economic data being released. The first day back to work for Washington after the New Year is Monday, Jan. 3. At 10 a.m., the Institute for Supply Management releases its manufacturing survey for December. The Commerce Department also is releasing its construction spending data for November. On Tuesday, at 10 a.m. the Commerce Department puts out its data for factory orders in November. The FOMC will release its minutes from the December 14th meeting at 2 p.m. Wednesday is a big day, particularly for payrolls. At 8:15 a.m., Automatic Data Processing ADP releases its private sector payroll data for December. At 10 a.m., the Institute for Supply Management puts out its services survey for December. Thursday sees the release of weekly jobless claims at 8:30 a.m. Friday is the big day, with the Labor Department releasing nonfarm payrolls data for the month of December. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will also go before the Senate Budget Committee at 9:30 a.m.