THE WEEK AHEAD

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

* TODAY

National Assn. of Realtors releases figures on existing-home sales for December.

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* TUESDAY

Labor Department releases employment cost index for the fourth quarter.

Conference Board releases monthly survey on consumer confidence.

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* WEDNESDAY

Commerce Department releases report on durable goods orders for December.

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* FRIDAY

Commerce Department releases data on gross domestic product for the fourth quarter.