Is this economic momentum for real?
Stocks are more likely to be nice than naughty in the final days of the year, as investors watch for more signs that the recent spurt of economic momentum is for real.

Just a sprinkling of data is expected in the coming week, with personal income and spending Monday, and durable goods, new home sales and consumer sentiment Tuesday. Jobless claims are expected Thursday. Shoppers will be in high gear this weekend, and there will be fresh reports on consumer holiday spending by Monday.

Trading finishes early Tuesday—1 p.m. for stocks and 2 p.m. for bonds, with markets closed Wednesday for Christmas.

After surging in the past week, stocks could drift higher in the week ahead with few seasoned traders at their desks. http://www.cnbc.com/id/101290304