Wall Street stocks may rise this week, but Ukraine crisis could halt rally

Trader Christopher Lotito (right) working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Friday. The market remains vulnerable to any escalation in global tensions over Ukraine. - AP

NEW YORK: The prevailing trend in US stocks could be higher next week if investor anxiety eases over the crisis in Ukraine and signs of weakness in the US economy.

Investors will watch for further signs that poor weather may have played a role in recent weak economic data and dampening profit outlooks, which would underscore views that setbacks may be temporary.