Stocks closed near session highs Thursday, with the Dow logging its first 10th-straight winning streak since 1996 and the S&P 500 within a hair's breadth of its all-time closing high, lifted by a better-than-expected jobless claims report.
U.S. retail sales data could be a test for markets Wednesday as it could show how much consumers were hit by a payroll tax hike and a delay in tax returns in early 2013.
The retail sales report to be released Wednesday morning will help show how much higher payroll taxes and rising gas prices are hurting American pocketbooks.
As the markets continue their march higher, investors will look to the tail end of fourth quarter earnings season for signs that corporate revenues and profits are improving. Next week, several retailers are expected to issue reports.
The Dow and S&P finished higher Wednesday, boosted by a batch of upbeat economic reports and optimistic comments from China's new leader, while Apple's sharp drop pushed the Nasdaq into negative territory.