Here are 4 big things we're watching in the stock market this week

Economic Overview - The earnings season is winding down, with only a few significant economic reports expected next week, while the Iran war remains a central concern for investors [1] - Oil prices surged, with Brent crude exceeding $112 per barrel and WTI oil over $98 per barrel, following Iraq's declaration of force majeure on oil fields operated by foreign companies [1] - Rising oil prices are expected to impact the overall economy, as they are a significant input cost for both consumers and businesses [1] Employment Insights - Investors are focused on the jobs market, with attention on the upcoming weekly initial claims report and productivity and costs report, although the monthly nonfarm payroll report is the primary indicator [1] - Concerns about economic stagnation are growing, influenced by high oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and the adoption of AI in corporate settings [1] - Changes in fed funds futures indicate a shift in expectations regarding interest rate cuts, with the probability of an April cut dropping from 17% to 10% [1] Consumer Sentiment - Consumer sentiment is critical as it drives approximately two-thirds of the U.S. economy, making the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers particularly relevant, especially in light of the recent conflict in Iran [1] - Upcoming earnings reports from companies like Winnebago, Designer Brands, and Carnival are anticipated to provide additional insights into consumer spending trends [1] Energy Sector Events - S&P Global's CERAWeek, a major event for the energy sector, will address key issues such as the Iran war and the increasing demand for energy due to AI data center initiatives [1] Housing Market Analysis - KB Home's earnings report is expected to shed light on the housing market dynamics, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Iran and elevated energy prices [1]