Job Openings, Business Optimism, Crude Stockpile: 3 Things to Watch

Job Openings, Business Optimism, Crude Stockpile: 3 Things to Watch

© Reuters.

By Dhirendra Tripathi

Investing.com -- Stocks struggled to find direction for much of the trading session on Monday, as both cyclicals and growth stocks failed to draw investor appetite ahead of key data due later this week.

Consumer inflation data is coming on Thursday. Inflation remains a sensitive topic as investors fear price pressures could force the Federal Reserve to tighten aggressively, potentially risking a recession.

The weaker jobs report last Friday, however, confirmed expectations the Fed is unlikely to back off from its bond purchases sooner than expected.

Cyclicals stocks like materials and industrials – which tend to move in tandem with the economy – were the day's worst performers despite Wall Street's bullish view on the sectors.

One of the biggest moves came in shares of Biogen Inc (NASDAQ:), which popped more than 50% in the early afternoon after the Food and Drug Administration announced approval for the pharma's Alzheimer's drug, the first approval of a drug to treat the illness in nearly 20 years.

Other pharma stocks rose, as well, including Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:), which has its own Alzheimer's treatment awaiting approval. 

Here are three things that could affect markets tomorrow.

1.