Investors will be watching closely for signs of inflation ahead of a Federal Reserve Board decision on interest rates due later this month.

Many analysts are expecting Fed to raise interest rates at its next meeting on March 28th.

Here at home Statistics Canada reports on the industrial capacity utilization rate in the fourth quarter on Monday. Economists expect a rate of 87.1%.

On Tuesday, Statistics Canada releases new motor vehicle sales data for January. Economists forecast a 1% increase.

On Wednesday, Statistics Canada releases its manufacturing survey for January. Economists expect a 0.5% increase in shipments from the previous month.

On Thursday, Statistics Canada reports year-over-year consumer price index figures for February. Economists expect a rise of 2.4%.

On Friday, Statistics Canada reports on wholesale trade in January. Economists expect a 0.3% increase from the previous month.

South of the border

On Tuesday, The U.S. Department of Commerce reports retail sales numbers for February. Economists are expecting a decline of 0.8%.

Separately, Commerce reports business inventories data for January. Economists forecast a 0.3% rise.

Also Tuesday, the United States releases its fourth-quarter current accounts balance. Economists expect a deficit of US$218 billion, compared with a third-quarter deficit of US$195.8 billion.

On Wednesday, the U.S. National Association of Home Builders releases its housing index for March. Economists expect a reading of 56.

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

On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department reports on the consumer price index in February. Economists expect a 0.2% increase.

Separately, Labor Department releases initial jobless claims for the week ending March 11. Economists expect there were 303,000 claims, unchanged from 303,000 the previous week.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits for February. Economists expect 2,030,000 housing starts and 2,118,000 building permits, both annualized.

Also Thursday, the Philadelphia Fed index will give investors a chance to take the pulse on manufacturing activity.

On Friday, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board reports on capacity utilization and industrial production in February. Economists expect a utilization rate of 81.3% and a 0.7% rise in production.

The flow of earnings news will slow to a trickle. CHC Helicopter Corp., Sobeys Inc. and Ivanhoe Energy Inc. are slated to report.