Introduction#

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, traders will be closely watching several important economic data releases that could influence financial markets. Key indicators such as retail sales and pending home sales will provide insights into consumer spending and the housing market's health.

Major Economic Events to Watch#

  • 7:30 AM ET - Retail Sales: Expected to rise by 1.4%, up from the previous 0.6%. This figure measures the total value of sales at retail locations, serving as a primary indicator of consumer spending trends.
  • 7:30 AM ET - Core Retail Sales: Forecasted to increase by 1.3%, compared to the previous 0.5%. This metric excludes automobile sales to give a clearer picture of consumer demand.
  • 9:00 AM ET - Pending Home Sales: Anticipated to remain unchanged at 0.0%, down from a previous increase of 1.8%. This data reflects the number of homes under contract but not yet closed, indicating future housing market activity.

Additional Economic Indicators#

  • 7:15 AM ET - ADP Employment Change Weekly: Previous figure was 39.30K. This report provides a moving average of changes in private sector employment, offering insights into the labor market.
  • 7:30 AM ET - Retail Control: Expected to rise by 0.2%, down from 0.5%. This component is crucial for GDP calculations as it excludes volatile categories.
  • 9:00 AM ET - Business Inventories: Forecasted to increase by 0.3%, improving from a previous decline of -0.1%. This measures unsold goods held by various sectors, indicating supply chain health.

Conclusion#

These economic indicators are vital for understanding the current state of the economy and may influence monetary policy decisions and market movements. Traders and investors will be keenly observing these releases for insights into consumer behavior and economic trends.