THE WEEK AHEAD

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

TODAY

Commerce Department releases figures on construction spending for November.

TUESDAY

Commerce Department releases data on factory orders for November.

WEDNESDAY

Commerce Department releases report on new-home sales for November.

THURSDAY

Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims, producer prices for December.

Federal Reserve Board releases consumer credit report for November.

FRIDAY

Labor Department releases unemployment figures for December.