Economists expect the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy-making committee will raise its key lending rate when it meets on Tuesday.

The Federal Open Market Committee to raise its benchmark rate by 0.25% to 4.25%.

Investors will be paying close attention to the language of the accompanying statement for hints on the pace of future increases.

Here at home, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge speaks to the Regina Chamber of Commerce on Monday.

On Tuesday, the Conference Board of Canada will release its consumer confidence index figures for November.

Statistics Canada releases leading indicators data for November and new motor vehicle sales figures for October. Economists expect an increase in leading indicators of 0.4%, and a rise in new motor vehicle sales of 3%.

On Wednesday, StatsCan releases monthly manufacturing shipments data. Economists expect a rise of 0.5%.

South of the border, the U.S. Commerce Department releases retail sales figures for November on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the U.S. government releases October trade balance data. Economists expect a deficit of $62.5-billion (U.S.).

On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department releases inflation figures for November. Economists expect a 0.4% decrease in the consumer price index and a 0.2% increase in core CPI.

On Friday, the U.S. government releases its third-quarter current accounts balance. Economists expect a deficit of $204.6-billion (U.S.), compared to a second-quarter deficit of $195.7-billion.

Earnings news

Earnings from a trio of Wall Street’s biggest investment banks, Bear Stearns Co., Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc., will dominate the coming week’s corporate news.

In Canada, grocer Sobeys Inc. and CHC Helicopter Corp. are slated to release their earnings on Tuesday. Investors will also receive financial results from MDS Inc. and Transcontinental Inc., the parent company of Investment Executive.