Autos, Housing, Energy: What to Expect Next Quarter
Stocks climbed on the final trading day of the first quarter, with the S&P 500 surpassing its closing high level of 1,565.15 set in 2007, as the relative calm surrounding the opening of Cyprus banks trumped a mixed bag of economic reports.
So, what is in store for the next quarter? Several CNBC reporters provided sector checks, highlighting what they are expecting for the upcoming second quarter.
Automotive Industry
The second quarter will have automakers smiling. It's been years since executives in the auto industry have been so enthusiastic about the state of their business.
(Read More: Car Buyers Taking Out Bigger Loans, Set New Record)
In the second quarter many of the factors that have driven stronger sales will not only continue, but could strengthen. The improving economy is the primary driver behind sales that are at the highest level since 2007.
In the second quarter, a big focus for the industry is the roll out of new models. The most watched being the new full size pick-ups from General Motors.
The redesigned Chevy Silverdao and GMC Sierra are hitting the market just as many small business owners and contractors are looking to trade-in their current trucks and upgrade their fleets.
-By CNBC's Phil LeBeau; Follow him @LebeauCarNews
Travel and Leisure
News that InterContinental has finally been able to sell its Park Lane hotel in London for $457 million to private investors from the Middle East may be a lead indictor for the travel and leisure industry in the quarter ahead.
Goldman Sachs predicts the big, asset-light lodging brands like I-H-G and Starwood should be able to further accelerate sales of the hotel properties they still own because buyers will return to the market armed with easier financing.
-By CNBC's Simon Hobbs
