Investors will get some insight into the health of the U.S. economy on Wednesday with the release of the latest edition of Federal Open Market Committee minutes.

The minutes from the September 20 meeting will likely reflect the continued concerns about inflation being voiced by the U.S. central bank.

Canadian markets were closed Monday for the Thanksgiving holiday. The U.S. bond market was closed for Columbus Day.

The data flow kicks off Tuesday when Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. releases information on September housing starts. Starts are expected to come in at 218,000, up 4,000 from August.

On Wednesday, Statistics Canada releases the new housing price index for August. Economists expect a 1% monthly increase, compared with an increase of 1.1% a month ago.

On Thursday, StatsCan issues international merchandise trade data for August. A surplus of $4.1 billion is expected, compared with a surplus of $3.9 billion a month earlier.

On Friday, StatsCan releases new motor vehicle sales data for August. Economists expect a rise of 3%, unchanged from the previous earlier.

South of the border

On Tuesday, the U.S. Commerce Dept. reports wholesale inventories for August. Economists expect a gain of 0.7%, compared with a rise of 0.8% the previous month.

On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Dept. reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended October 7. Economists forecast 312,000 claims, compared with 302,000 claims in the previous week.

Separately, Commerce releases trade balance data for August. Economists forecast a US$66.5 billion deficit, compared with a $68 billion deficit the previous month.

Meanwhile, the he U.S. Federal Reserve Board issues the Beige Book, a summary of economic conditions in the 12 Fed districts.

On Friday, the University of Michigan issues its preliminary index of U.S. consumer sentiment for October. Economists expect a reading of 86, up slightly from 85.4 the previous month.

The U.S. Commerce Dept. releases retail sales figures for September. Economists forecast an increase of 0.2%, unchanged from the previous month.

Separately, Commerce issues business inventories data for August. A rise of 0.5% is expected, compared with a rise of 0.6% a month earlier.

Earnings

Companies scheduled to report results include: Alcoa Inc.; Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc.; Gannett Co. Inc.; Yum Brands Inc.; Teknion Corp.; Costco Wholesale Corp.; OPTI Canada Inc.; PepsiCo Inc.; and Safeway Inc.