The Bank of Canada will make a decision on its key overnight rate target on Tuesday, and a quarter-point hike is widely anticipated.

The central bank began raising interest rates in September amid signs that inflation could creep higher as economic growth picks up. It’s expected to raise rate Tuesday to 3.25% from 3%.

Also Tuesday, Statistics Canada reports on building permits issued in October. Economists expect no change from the previous month.

On Thursday, the Bank of Canada releases its Financial System Review.

Separately, Statistics Canada reports on the new housing price index in October. Economists expect a rise of 0.4%.

On Friday, Statistics Canada reports on the industrial capacity utilization rate in the third quarter. Economists expect a rate of 87.4%.

Separately, StatsCan reports on labour productivity in the third quarter. Economists expect a gain of 0.5%.

South of the border

On Monday, the U.S. Institute for Supply Management releases its services index for November. Economists expect a reading of 59.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Labor Department issues its revised report on productivity and costs in the third quarter. Economists expect a 4.5% increase in productivity, and a drop in costs of 0.8%.

Separately, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on factory orders in October. Economists expect a rise of 2.2%.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board reports on consumer credit in October. Economists expect an increase of US$5.5 billion.

On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department reports on initial jobless claims in the week ending Dec. 3.

Overseas, the Bank of England monetary policy committee sets its key interest rate. Economists expect the rate to be left unchanged at 4.5%.

On Friday, the University of Michigan issues its preliminary index of consumer sentiment in December. Economists expect a reading of 85.

Separately, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on wholesale inventories in October. Economists expect a gain of 0.5%.

Earnings news

In earnings news, National Bank of Canada caps off the big bank’s reporting season.

Canadian Western Bank, Laurentian Bank of Canada, Cossette Communication Group Inc. are also slated to release results.

In other corporate news, Stelco Corp.’s court protection is set to expire on Monday while Constellation Brands Inc.’s bid for Vincor International Inc. will run out on Thursday.