Introduction#

As traders gear up for another significant day in the financial markets, several economic data releases and commentary from the Federal Reserve are on the agenda for Monday, May 4, 2026. These events will provide valuable insights into the health of the U.S. economy as the trading week kicks off.

Major Economic Events to Watch#

While there are no major three-star events scheduled for the day, several important reports will be released that could influence market sentiment.

Factory Orders Data#

  • 9:00 AM ET - Factory Orders (Previous: 0.0%): This report measures the change in the total value of new purchase orders placed with manufacturers. It includes revisions to durable goods orders and new data on non-durable goods orders, offering a glimpse into manufacturing activity.
  • 9:00 AM ET - Factory Orders ex Transportation (Previous: 1.2%): This figure tracks new purchase orders from manufacturers, excluding transportation-related orders, providing a clearer view of core manufacturing trends.
  • 9:00 AM ET - Durables Excluding Transport (Previous: 0.9%): This report measures new orders for durable goods, excluding the often volatile transportation sector, which can skew overall data.
  • 9:00 AM ET - Durables Excluding Defense (Forecast: -0.3%, Previous: -1.1%): This indicator focuses on new orders for durable goods, excluding defense items, shedding light on civilian manufacturing demand.

Federal Reserve Insights#

  • 11:50 AM ET - FOMC Member Williams Speaks: John Williams, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, will deliver remarks that may provide insights into current monetary policy considerations, which can affect market expectations.

Additional Economic Indicators#

  • 10:30 AM ET - 3-Month and 6-Month Bill Auctions: These auctions will reveal the yields on short-term Treasury bills, which are important for understanding government borrowing costs.
  • 1:00 PM ET - Loan Officer Survey: This Federal Reserve survey assesses changes in lending standards and demand, offering insights into the banking sector's health.
  • 1:00 PM ET - Total Vehicle Sales (Previous: 16.30M): This report indicates the annualized number of new vehicles sold domestically, serving as a key indicator of consumer spending and confidence.