The U.S. Federal Reserve interest-rate decision will capture the attention of investors this week. Most analysts expect another increase of 25 basis points.

If the overnight lending rate does rise to 3.25%, it would make the ninth straight increase. The announcement is due Thursday afternoon.

Among the key economic releases in Canada, Statistics Canada will release a report on Canadian economic growth in April on Thursday, with economists expecting a 0.3% increase.

Canadian financial markets will be closed Friday for the Canada Day holiday.

Monday is also a quiet day for Canadian economic news.

On Tuesday, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge addresses the Canada-U.K. Chamber of Commerce, on the Canadian economy and the international monetary order.

On Thursday, StatsCan reports on the industrial product and raw materials price indexes for May. Economists expect an increase of 0.1% in the product index, and a drop of 1% in the price of raw materials.

Separately, the government agency reports on the gross domestic product in April. Economists expect growth of 0.2%.

Canadian financial markets and most businesses are closed for Canada Day.

The flow of economic data south of the border kicks off Tuesday when the U.S. Conference Board reports on consumer confidence in June. Economists expect the index to come in at 104.5.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Commerce Department issues final figures for the gross domestic product in the first quarter. Economists expect annualized growth of 3.7%.

On Thursday, in addition to the Fed decision on rates, the U.S. Labor Department reports on initial jobless claims for the week ending June 25. Economists expect 323,000 claims.

Separately, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on personal income and spending in May. Economists expect income to rise by 0.3%, and spending to remain unchanged from the previous month.

Also on Thursday, the Chicago arm of the National Association of Purchasing Managers releases its index of manufacturing activity in June. Economists expect a reading of 54.8.

On Friday, the University of Michigan issues its revised index of consumer sentiment for June. Economists expect a reading of 94.8.

The U.S. Commerce Department reports on construction spending in May. Economists expect an increase of 0.5%.

The U.S. Institute for Supply Management releases its index of manufacturing activity in June. Economists expect a reading of 51.5.

On the earnings calendar,Research In Motion Ltd., reports results Wednesday.

Analysts expect RIM will report a per share profit of US55¢ in the first quarter of its fiscal 2006, up from US36¢ a year ago.

Other Canadian issuers reporting results include CHC Helicopter Corp., and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.