Calendar

Dec. 18, 8:30 a.m. EST - The investment bank issues fiscal-year results. Equity analysts have cut 2008 earnings forecasts for Goldman and other banks on expectations of less income from mergers and debt underwriting.

Dec. 18, 8:30 a.m. EST - Builders probably broke ground on fewer houses in November. Despite a 48% plunge in starts since early 2006, the number of unsold new homes is still very high.