The April ISM rose somewhat unexpectedly in April (from 53.4 to 54.8—strongest since June of last year), and the composition was not bad either, as new orders, production and employment were all higher. The inventory portion of the index was down, which was an indirect positive as well. This was arguably the most important release of the week.

On the negative side, construction spending rose less than expected for March (up +0.1% versus consensus +0.5%), and a few prior months were revised downward. As for details, the private construction spending side was up almost a percent, while government outlays dropped by a bit more—causing the net difference. Read more