THE WEEK AHEAD

Some of the major business and economic events scheduled for this week:

TODAY

* National Assn. of Realtors releases figures for November existing-home sales.

* Conference Board releases leading economic indicators data for November.

TUESDAY

* Trading sessions in U.S. bond and commodity markets will be abbreviated, but the stock markets will have regular hours.

* Commerce Department releases November figures on new-home sales.

WEDNESDAY

* New Year’s Day. Most financial markets worldwide will be closed.

THURSDAY

* Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims data.

* National Assn. of Purchasing Management issues monthly report on the manufacturing sector.

FRIDAY

* Commerce Department releases construction spending report for November.