The BLS recently released the Employment Situation for March, which showed mixed results.

Examining consumer spending activity in the past 18-24 months does not suggest an impending dramatic change, however, barring a return to oil prices of $100 per barrel.

The Fed holds its third of eight FOMC meetings of 2016 this Tuesday and Wednesday, April 26-27, 2016. Without a press conference or a new set of economic and fed funds projections, the Fed must rely on its statement to communicate a complicated message to markets.

The direction of emerging market (EM) currencies relative to the U.S. dollar is a key element of EM returns. The value of the U.S. dollar is determined by many factors, including global fund flows.

As U.S. corporations begin to report their results for the recently completed first quarter of 2016, global growth will likely take center stage among investors.

The U.S. trade deficit has been a drag on overall GDP growth. However, the U.S. continues to steadily grow in its role as an exporter of services.