On Tuesday, Bank of Canada deputy governor Sheryl Kennedy addresses the Association of Quebec Women in Finance, in Montreal.

On Wednesday, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. reports on housing starts in December. Economists expect 223,000 annualized starts, down from 227,900 a month earlier.

On Thursday, Statistics Canada issues its reports on building permits and the new-housing price index for November. Economists expect a decrease of 2.5% in the number of permits issued from the previous month, but a rise of 0.3% in prices.

On Friday, StatsCan releases its labour force survey for December. Economists forecast an annualized unemployment rate of 5.9%, unchanged from November, and expect a net monthly gain of 15,000 jobs.

Separately, StatsCan reports on international merchandise trade in November. Economists see the trade surplus falling to $3.1 billion from $3.3 billion in October.

U.S. and overseas

On Tuesday, the U.S. National Association of Realtors reports on pending home sales for November. Sales are expected to have declined 0.5%.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board releases consumer credit data for November. Economists expect an increase of US$8.5 billion, up from US$4.7 billion the previous month.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor reports initial jobless claims for the week ended Jan. 5. Economists forecast 340,000 claims compared with 336,000 in the previous week.

As well, the U.S. Commerce Department reports wholesale inventories for November. Economists expect an increase of 0.4%.

Overseas, the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee announces an interest rate decision, as does the European Central Bank’s governing council.

On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Department releases trade balance data for November. Economists forecast a US$59.4 billion deficit, compared with a US$57.8 billion deficit in October.

Corporate earnings

Tuesday brings earnings reports from Constellation Brands, Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., and KB Home.

On Wednesday, Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Cable Inc. release first-quarter results, as does Corus Entertainment.

Mercantile Bank Corp. reports fourth-quarter results.

Thursday will see reports from Jean Coutu Group and Wi-Lan.

On Friday Shaw Communications releases its first-quarter results, while Amica Mature Lifestyles releases its second-quarter results.