The focus in the coming week will be on Friday’s release of the gross domestic product data for July.

Economic growth is seen rising to 0.3% from 0.2%, lifted by strong domestic demand.

On Tuesday, the Investment Funds Institute holds its 19th Annual Conference, in Toronto. The event, which runs to Thursday, includes an industry panel Wednesday with senior executives from Assante Corp., Fidelity Investments Canada Ltd. and Franklin Templeton Investments Corp.

On Thursday, Statistics Canada reports on the industrial product and raw materials price indexes in August. Economists expect increases of 0.6% and 2.6%, respectively, from the previous month.

As well, the Conference Board of Canada releases its latest economic forecast, Metropolitan Outlook: Autumn 2005.

South of the border, U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan will deliver a pair of speeches.

Comments by the Fed chief will be especially scrutinized after hurricanes Rita and Katrina hit the Gulf of Mexico states in recent weeks, with the economic impact from both still unknown.

Fed officials have repeatedly signalled concern about inflation in recent weeks. Bank of Canada governor David Dodge joined that chorus last week, saying rising energy costs will spur more inflation.

Greenspan speaks first on regulatory matters on Monday, followed by a Tuesday talk on the state of the economy in Chicago.

In addition to the Fed speeches, the economic calendar will be fairly full.

On Monday, the U.S. National Association of Realtors reports on existing home sales in August. Economists expect annualized sales of 7,120,000 units.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Conference Board issues its consumer confidence report for September. Economists expect a reading of 94, from 105.6 in August.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on new home sales in August. Economists expect annualized sales of 1,350,000 units.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on durable goods orders in August. Economists expect an increase of 0.8%, following a 4.9-per-cent drop the previous month.

On Thursday, the U.S. Commerce Department issues its final report on the gross domestic product in the second quarter. Economists expect annualized growth of 3.3%.

The U.S. Labor Department reports on initial jobless claims in the week ending Sept. 24. Economists expect 432,000 claims, matching the previous week’s figure.
Other

On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on personal income and spending in August. Economists expect income to grow 0.4%, and spending to fall 0.3%.

The University of Michigan releases its revised index of consumer sentiment for September. Economists expect a reading of 78, from 76.9 in August.

The Chicago arm of the National Association of Purchasing Managers releases its index of manufacturing activity in September. Economists expect a reading of 52, from 49.2 in August.

Research In Motion Ltd. is expected to report another solid quarter of earnings and sales growth on Wednesday.

Analysts are calling for RIM to post a second-quarter profit of US61¢ a share, up 35% from 45¢ a year ago, according to Thomson First Call.

Also on Wednesday AGF Management Ltd. reports third-quarter results. Analysts expect share profit of 23¢, compared with 30¢.