April 21, 2014- Stocks Remain Cautious Ahead of Busy Earnings Week

Trading in the U.S. index futures suggests that Wall Street stocks may see a cautious open on Monday, as traders plan their next move. Another slew of earnings are set to be released by companies such as Schlumberger (SLM), Hasbro (HAS) and Kimberly-Clark (KMB). The Ukraine crisis is yet to be resolved despite the promise of solution by European and U.S. leaders last week. With trading activity likely to be light as traders return from Easter holidays, caution may be the watchword for the markets. The Dow futures are rising 15 points, the S&P 500 futures are moving up 1.50 points and the Nasdaq 100 futures are adding 6.75 points. U.S. stocks rebounded strongly in the holiday-shortened week ended April 17th, with positive earnings and economic data lending support to the markets. On the economic front, some housing market readings and durable goods orders data are among the closely watched economic reports of the unfolding week. Traders are expected to focus on the National Association of Realtors' existing home sales report for March, the Federal House Finance Agency's house price index for February, the Commerce Department's new home sales report for March, the jobless claims report, the Commerce Department's durable goods orders report for March and the final reading of the consumer sentiment survey by Reuters and the University of Michigan.