WEEKAHEAD-The view from Reuters Editors in the Americas

MARKETS - Markets are coming to terms with the eventual end of cheap funding from the central bank, and investors have clearly heard the plea from Fed officials not to assume the discount rate hike means a rise in the fed funds rate is near. The short end of the Treasury market has recovered its poise, suggesting the move will have little impact on next week's record $126 billion sales. Stocks will also focus on a bevy of retail earnings headlined by Target and Macy's. And with little headwind, most agree the dollar will keep charging higher as the U.S. outlook improves and as Greece damps enthusiasm for the euro. chris.sanders@thomsonreuters.com

MR TOYODA IN WASHINGTON - Akio Toyoda, grandson of the founder of Toyota Motor Co (7203.T), has promised to deliver a "sincere explanation" of the safety problems that led to his company to recall millions of vehicles when he appears before a U.S. congressional panel on Wednesday. Analysts and public relations experts have stressed the need for him to speak clearly and honestly in his testimony to avoid further staining the company's reputation. It's not clear yet whether he will testify in English or Japanese. Toyoda is the most senior Japanese executive to give testimony before the U.S. Congress since executives from tire maker Bridgestone (5108.T) appeared in 2000 following a series of crashes linked to the handling of some Ford Motor Co (F.N) SUVs. Preview planned for Sunday. See [IDn:SGE61I01G] and [ID:nTOE61I02C]. kevin.krolicki@thomsonreuters.com

WINDING DOWN EASY MONEY - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke must explain why he decided to spring a surprise on financial markets by raising the discount rate -- and he has to do it before a less-than-friendly audience. In Congress for his twice-yearly testimony on the state of the economy on Wednesday and Thursday, he can expect questions on whether the discount rate hike was a signal that borrowing costs are about to rise. Look for Bernanke to talk down those concerns and reiterate that the Fed plans to keep its benchmark interest rate near zero for some time. If he doesn't, look out for a stock market selloff. Bernanke can also expect some grilling about regulatory reform and what role the Fed ought to play. His critics on Capitol Hill will no doubt want to remind him they think he failed to spot the financial crisis and then gave away taxpayer money too freely when markets unraveled. tim.ahmann@thomsonreuters.com

REUTERS TRAVEL AND LEISURE SUMMIT - You want a blanket? That'll be $8 please. Airlines and others in the travel industry added charges and cut costs creatively as the recession hit revenue and profits, but the sector has been buoyed recently by expectations of an economic recovery and signs that business travel is starting to rebound. CEOs and other leading executives from some of the world's leading airlines, hotel and casino companies will address the big issues at the Reuters Travel and Leisure Summit in New York running Monday through Wednesday. Speakers include executives from InterContinental Hotels (IHG.L) and Marriott (MAR.N), casino companies Las Vegas Sands (LVS.N) and Harrah's,and air carriers including AMR Corp AMR.N, Southwest (LUV.N) and UAL Corp (UAL.N). For a preview click [ID:nN18190553]. karen.jacobs@thomsonreuters.com