Results from major companies in two key industries -- manufacturing and retail --are also on tap.

MORE INFLATION

Prices for items from groceries to gasoline to airline tickets are on the rise. The Labor Department's latest batch of Consumer Price Index figures will show just how much costs increased in April.

Analysts expect the overall figure to jump the most. However, core inflation -- which excludes highly volatile food and energy prices -- is also expected to rise. High fuel prices raise the cost of transporting goods, which lifts retail prices. Through March, total CPI is up 4 percent year-over-year.

DEERE EARNINGS

Deere & Co., the world's largest maker of agricultural machinery, has seen booming demand for its tractors, combines and other equipment because of the dollar's falling value, which makes the equipment cheaper overseas.

Rising prices of corn and other agricultural commodities have also helped lift the company's profit. One area of concern: Deere makes equipment used in construction, and the housing sector is sputtering.

MACY'S EARNINGS

The slumping economy and rising prices for food and fuel are taking a toll on U.S. retailers.

A JPMorgan analyst cut his rating on Macy's, the largest U.S. department store operator, after Kohl's and J.C. Penney reported lackluster sales last month. Expect investors to focus on hints of Macy's future growth, or lack thereof.

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