On Monday, Statistics Canada reports on building permits for February. Economists expect a 1.3% increase in the number of permits issued.

On Tuesday, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. reports on housing starts for March. Economists are expecting 225,000 annualized starts.

On Thursday, Bank of Canada deputy governor David Longworth addresses a global investment conference in Lake Louise, Alta., on credit markets, financial stability and monetary policy.

Meanwhile, StatsCan reports on international merchandise trade in February. Economists expect a surplus of $3.4 billion.

On Friday, StatsCan releases the new housing price index for February. Economists are forecasting a 0.4% monthly increase.

U.S. and overseas

On Monday, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board reports on consumer credit in February. Economists expect an increase of US$6 billion.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on wholesale inventories for February. Economists expect an increase of 0.5%.

On Thursday, Commerce reports on the trade balance in February. Economists forecast a US$57.8 billion deficit.

The U.S. Labour Department reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended April 5. Economists are forecasting 380,000 claims.

Overseas, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank make interest rate announcements.

Corporate earnings

Companies scheduled to release quarterly results this week include:

  • Alcoa Inc.;
  • Sealy Inc.;
  • Sandvine Corp.;
  • Circuit City Stores Inc.;
  • Cogeco Cable Inc.;
  • Cogeco Inc.;
  • Corus Entertainment Inc.;
  • Genentech Inc.;
  • Rite Aid Corp.;
  • Pier 1 Imports Inc.;
  • CanWest Global Communications Corp.;
  • Shaw Communications Inc.; and
  • General Electric Co.