The week ahead will get off to a slow start on Monday with Canadian markets closed for Thanksgiving.

In the United States, government bond and bond futures markets will be closed for Columbus Day, although stock markets will be open for business.

On Tuesday, Statistics Canada reports on the new housing price index in August. Economists expect an increase of 0.3%.

Separately, StatsCan reports on investment in non-residential building construction in the third quarter.

Also Tuesday, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. announces housing starts in September. Economists expect an annualized figure of 220,000 starts.

On Thursday, economists expect Statistics Canada to report a surplus of $6.1-billion in Canada’s international merchandise trade in August.

On Friday, Statistics Canada releases its manufacturing survey for August. Economists expect a 1% increase in shipments over the previous month.

South of the border, the flow of economic release won’t start until Thursday, when the U.S. Commerce Department reports on international trade in August. Economists expect a deficit of US$59.5 billion.

Separately, the U.S. Labor Department reports on initial jobless claims in the week ending October 8. Economists expect 370,000 new claims, down from 390,000 the previous week.

There are several U.S. economic releases scheduled for Friday.

Economists expect the U.S. Labor Department to report a month-over-month rise in the consumer price index of 0.9% in September.

The U.S. Commerce Department reports on retail sales in September.

Separately, Commerce reports on business inventories in August. Economists expect an increase of 0.2%.

The U.S. Federal Reserve Board reports on industrial production and capacity utilization in September. Economists expect a 0.5-per-cent drop in production, and a utilization rate of 79.4%.

The University of Michigan releases its preliminary index of consumer sentiment for October. Economists expect a reading of 80, from 76.9 in the previous month. Earnings

Third-quarter earnings season kicks off this week.

U.S. firms scheduled to report include Genentech Inc., Alcoa Inc., Apple Computer Inc., Advanced Micro Devices Inc., and Gannett Co. Inc., Harley-Davidson Inc., Monsanto Co., General Electric Co., and Knight-Ridder Inc.

In Canada, earnings reports are due from Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc., Technion Inc., Vasogen Inc., Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, and Nexen Inc.