Markets
There has been a lot talk lately of increased inflation expectations so Wednesday's consumer price index report from the Labor Department is apt to get attention at 7:30 a.m. CST. The U.S. Energy Department releases its weekly report of energy inventories at 9:30 a.m., including a report on ethanol production. The U.S. Treasury Department reports on the federal budget for January at 1 p.m. CST. Traders will also pay attention to the latest weather forecasts and any news about export sales that might arise.
WeatherWednesday features another day of bitter cold in the north-central U.S. At the edge of the cold wave, ice and snow will cause travel and safety hazards from the southeastern Plains through the Delta and Ohio Valley. The harsh cold pattern is indicated to remain in place through the next ten days.