The key bit of economic news this week will likely be testimony from incoming U.S. Fed chief Ben Bernanke.
The new chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board delivers his first report on the economy and fed policy this Wednesday.
Investors will be paying attention to Bernanke’s reports for signs on an interest rate hike.
There are few economic announcements out of Canada next week, so the focus will be primarily south of the border.
On Thursday, Statistics Canada releases its monthly survey of manufacturers for December. Economists expect they rose 1% from November.
Also Thursday, the Bank of Canada review comes out.
On Friday, StatsCan releases wholesale trade data for December. Economists expect sales rose 0.5% from November.
In this week’s earnings news, Great West Lifeco Inc. reports fourth-quarter results, as does ING Canada Inc., West Fraser Timber Co., Quebecor Inc., Telus Corp., Inco Ltd., EnCana Corp., Precision Drilling Corp. and Yellow Pages Income Fund.
The week ahead: Fed chief to report on U.S. economy
IE Staff