ISM index or Institute for Supply Management will be released Mar 3 at 10:00. The last reading was 50.7 which showed the economy to be weak.  Readings below 50.0 suggest contraction which is what is expected, confirming what many have been saying for some time now "the economy is in recession". Auto sales will come next on Mar 4th which should add a critical piece to whats really going on in the U.S. economy. Auto sales account for 20% of retail sales and gives insight into consumers feelings about buying big ticket items. More volatility can be expected as more economic data is released as we near the March 18th FOMC meeting. There will be no doubt a spirited debate on the size of the interest rate cut and even if Bernanke should offer no cut in favor in containing inflation.