US: US data for Friday starts at 1330GMT, when retail sales are expected
to fall 0.2% in February, as winter storms likely had a strong impact on
consumer spending. Industry light vehicle sales slowed further in the
month after falling back in January. Meanwhile, gasoline prices declined
in February, but were still well above their year-ago level. Sales
excluding motor vehicles and parts are expected to be unchanged. At
1455GMT, the Reuters/University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index is
expected to rise to a reading of 74.0 in early March. Then at 1500GMT,
business inventories are expected to rise 0.2% in January. Factory
inventories were already reported up 0.2%. Later on, at 1700GMT, US
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner speaks before the US Export-Import Bank
annual conference in Washington.