Inflation Up in January But Consumer Confidence Rises - What's Ahead for Home Prices, Manufacturing as Rates Decline?

• Inflation rose unexpectedly in January; will a closely-watched inflation gauge confirm the increase this week?

• Home prices fell in November and likely December too, but could reverse as mortgage rates dip

• Consumer confidence reached a 15-month high in January on easing inflation, jobs, stocks; will it hold in February?

• Core inflation jumped 0.4% in January, pushing the Fed's rate cut forecast to later this year

• Manufacturing has contracted for 15 months but should show the highest activity level since October