The central bank may hint Tuesday on how Friday's jobs report affects their view on interest rates. Watch this week's CPI report. Earnings are due from Urban Outfitters, Ross Stores and Winnebago.
The Fed chairman tells Congress that recent improvements in the US economy may lessen the need for further monetary easing.
Prices extend their early-year gains Wednesday as the dollar falls against the euro.
Prices leap on the central bank's decision to leave interest rates low.
The blue chips close up 81 to their best level since May 2011. The central bank sees slightly lower growth but continued high unemployment. Apple briefly tops Exxon Mobil as the world's most valuable company. The dollar moves lower. Gold tops 1,700.
Apple says iPhone sales jumped 128% in its fiscal first quarter; iPad sales r0se 111%. Tech shares mostly bask in the report. The Dow drops 33 before the report as Europe worries investors again. Gold and oil fall.
But the economy that Obama will talk about Tuesday night is struggling. Job growth is still a problem, and the housing collapse is weighing on business.
The central bank sees some economic improvement but worries about weak job markets and Europe. Oil tops $100 on Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz. Best Buy shares sag on weak results.
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