The Fool's Look Ahead

Monday
The new trading week kicks off with IDT (NYSE: IDT). The fading conglomerate with interests in diverse sectors from energy to telecom has become another unfortunate addition to Wall Street's new dollar menu. The company hasn't posted a quarterly profit in three years, and analysts don't see that streak ending on Monday.

Tuesday
Supermarket giant Safeway (NYSE: SWY) hits the checkout lane on Tuesday. Grocery stores are defensive stocks, able to withstand most economic lulls, since consumers still need to eat. Mr. Market sees Safeway's net income climbing 7% higher to $0.47 a share.

Wednesday
Another steady retailer of foodstuffs check in on Wednesday. Costco (Nasdaq: COST) will deliver its quarterly financials. The warehouse club should hold up well, as buck-stretching shoppers buy in bulk to save money, but Costco also counts on small businesses as buyers -- and that segment is clearly smarting these days.

Thursday
International Speedway (Nasdaq: ISCA) revs up with Thursday's report. If consumers are getting through the economic lull by warming up to fast cars, the motorsports promoter will let you know.

Friday
Trading weeks usually close on a quiet note, but not if General Electric (NYSE: GE) is in town. The corporate behemoth will have plenty to discuss on Friday. What's up with Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE: BRK-A) (NYSE: BRK-B) recent purchase? How is the company's financial arm holding up? Can it overcome the previous quarter's earnings dip? Is divestiture the new acquisition? So many questions. Let's see whether Friday sheds a little light on the answers.

Until next week, I remain,

Rick Munarriz