Business Lookahead: Strap in for no landing

From why some hope the world economy can dodge a recession, to more clues on Chinese growth, these are the stories to look out for in the week ahead. A raft of U.S. data, including consumer confidence figures on Tuesday, will gauge the country's economic health. Strong numbers could be bad news for some, though, if they make the Federal Reserve more determined to press ahead with rate hikes. Durable goods orders and home prices are among other figures due. Could a soft landing turn into no landing? Economists will be watching data to see if it supports talks that the world could avoid entering recession at all.

Factors including China's reopening, the U.S. jobs boom, and Europe's easing energy crisis are making some wonder. It's inflation week in the Eurozone, with figures out from around the block. All the signs are that price pressures are abating, but probably not enough to stop the ECB raising rates again. The focus will be on core figures, which strip out volatile food and energy prices. Wednesday's purchasing managers' index numbers in China will show whether factory activity returned with a bang after the Lunar New Year holidays.

Even if it did, escalating tensions with Washington could dampen appetites for investing in the country. A Nigerian's vote Saturday in what could be the closest and most credible election since military rule ended a quarter of a century ago. Whoever wins will have to tackle a long list of challenges, including rampant corruption, high inflation, and cash shortages.

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