Investors will get a closer look at inflation this week, with the release of the consumer price index data for Canada and the United States, as well as U.S. producer prices.

On Monday, Statistics Canada releases manufacturing shipments figures for March. Economists forecast a monthly increase of 0.9%.

Separately, StatsCan issues new motor vehicle sales data for March. A monthly rise of 1% is expected.

Meanwhile, the Conference Board of Canada releases its Industrial Outlook; Spring 2006 report on Canada’s auto and auto parts industry.

On Wednesday, Statistics Canada releases wholesale trade data for March. Economists expect a monthly increase of 0.7%.

Separately, the government agency reports on Canada’s international securities transactions for March. A net inflow of $1-billion is forecast.

On Thursday, Statistics Canada releases consumer price index data for April. Economists forecast a year-over-year increase of 2.5%.

On Friday, Statistics Canada releases retail sales data for March. A monthly increase of 0.6% is forecast.

South of the border

On Tuesday, the U.S. Labor Department issues producer price index figures for April. A monthly increase of 0.8% is expected.

Separately, the U.S. Commerce Department releases data on housing starts and building permits for April. Economists forecast 1.95 million starts and 2.04 million permits, both annualized.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve reports on industrial production for April. Economists expect a rise of 0.5%.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Labor Department releases consumer price index data for April. Economists forecast a year-over-year increase of 3.5%.

On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department releases initial jobless claims data for the week ended May 13. Economists forecast 315,000 new claims.

Corporate earnings

Earnings reports are due from Goldcorp Inc.; CSI Wireless Inc.; Connors Bros.; Home Depot Inc.; Hewlett-Packard Co.; CAE Inc. issues fourth-quarter results. Profit of 9¢ share is forecast; Canaccord Capital Inc.; Dell Inc.; Gap Inc.; and Rothmans Inc.