At 7:30 a.m. CDT Friday, the U.S. Labor Department will release its employment cost index for the first quarter and the Commerce Department will publish personal income and spending statistics for March. The University of Michigan's index of consumer sentiment is out at 9 a.m. The Energy Department's monthly update of biodiesel plant capacity is also due out Friday.
Weather
A storm system emerging into the Plains will produce widespread showers for the North-Central U.S. on Friday. Showers will spread through a good portion of the country over the weekend. Bouts of severe weather will be possible with the system. Strong winds in the Plains will be yet another feature, bringing increased wildfire risks to areas that are very dry. The flood risk returns to the Red River Valley of the North with the increased precipitation amounts as well.