Business news in the week ahead

The stock market is closed today and not much is scheduled to happen because of the Presidents Day holiday, but here are some things to watch for later this week:

On Tuesday, Barnes & Noble Inc., Home Depot Inc., Macy’s Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. report earnings.

On Wednesday, the National Assn. of Realtors releases figures on existing home sales for January, and Hewlett-Packard Co. reports earnings.

On Thursday, the Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims and mortgage giant Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates. Earnings are scheduled to be released by American International Group, Gap Inc., Safeway Inc., Sears Holdings Corp. and Target Corp.

On Friday, the Commerce Department releases new home sales for January and J.C. Penney releases earnings.

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