The week ahead, April 15 to 20

If a company fires a worker, the worker would most... — If a company fires a worker, the worker would most likely qualify for unemployment benefits, unless the employer makes the case that it let the worker go for misconduct. Credit: iStock

By PETER KINGpwking@aol.comApril 15, 2012

Tax holiday. Sunday is April 15, but it's just another day this year. April 17, however, is not: Federal and state income taxes are due Tuesday. April 17 is also the deadline to fund an IRA for the 2011 tax year and to make the first estimated tax payment for the 2012 tax year.

MONDAY

On the heels of the Labor Department's March employment report showing retailers slashed 34,000 jobs last month, retail sales for March from the Commerce Department will be scrutinized for signs of a spending slowdown from consumers. Also, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's April Empire State Manufacturing survey, a gauge of industrial activity in the state. Earnings: Citigroup, Gannett, Mattel.

TUESDAY

Housing starts from the Commerce Department and industrial production from the Federal Reserve, both for March. Earnings: Coca-Cola, Intel.

WEDNESDAY

Earnings from two local banks: Lake Success-based Astoria Financial and Westbury-based New York Community Bancorp. Also posting earnings: American Express, eBay and Pizza Hut owner Yum Brands.

THURSDAY

Existing home sales for March from the National Association of Realtors and jobless claims for the week ended April 14 from the Labor Department. Earnings: Bank of America, Verizon Communications.

FRIDAY

Earnings from McDonald's and General Electric.

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