The Week Ahead: Fed Speeches, GDP Highlight Short Week

Following yesterday's policy announcement from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), next week's holiday-shortened schedule will feature a revolving door of speeches from Federal Reserve officials, beginning with an early morning speech from Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker on Monday. Additionally, the Fed will continue to be in focus on Friday -- although U.S. markets will be closed -- with the final reading on fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) set to be released.

Below is a brief list of some key market events scheduled for the upcoming week. All earnings dates listed below are tentative and subject to change. Please check with each company's respective website for official reporting dates.

Monday, March 21

Existing home sales is the lone economic report on Monday's docket. On the Fed front, Lacker, Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart, and St. Louis Fed President James Bullard will all step up to the mic. Mattress Firm (MFRM) and NQ Mobile (NQ) will step up to the earnings plate.

Tuesday, March 22

The Markit purchasing managers manufacturing index (PMI) will be released on Tuesday, while Chicago Fed President Charles Evans and Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker are scheduled to take the podium. On the earnings front, Nike (NKE), Five Below (FIVE), G-III Apparel (GIII), Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD), and Red Hat (RHT) will report.

Wednesday, March 23

New home sales and the crude inventories report are due out Wednesday. Fuel Tech (FTEK), General Mills (GIS), and KB Home (KBH) will unveil earnings.

Thursday, March 24

Durable goods orders and weekly jobless claims are on Thursday's calendar, while St. Louis Fed President James Bullard is slated to give a speech. Accenture (ACN), Finish Line (FINL), and GameStop (GME) will report earnings.

Friday, March 25

While markets will be closed in observance of Good Friday, the final reading on fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) will be released.