The stimulus boost has passed and now the stock market is focused solely on virus developments

The stimulus boost has passed and now the stock market is focused solely on virus developments

The market could drift lower in the week ahead, as investors watch developments around the coronavirus and wait for first quarter earnings season to begin.. Strategists say investors are now most focused on how the virus is progressing, what medical developments might help, and how long it could take to end the shutdown of most of the U.S.. Oil rallied 12% in the past week with West Texas Intermediate futures at $28.34 per barrel, its best week ever.. In the past week, stocks were lower for the third week in four, as the market absorbed the latest shocking reports of layoffs, and investors worried about the duration of the virus related shutdowns.. The biggest data report in the week ahead could again be that jobless claims number on Thursday.. Consumer sentiment is reported Thursday, and consumer price index inflation is reported Friday, when the stock market is closed for the Good Friday holiday.. First quarter earnings season is scheduled to start in the week after next, and there could be more companies withdrawing guidance between now and then.. We're seeing investors taking a constructive view..