On Monday, Statistics Canada reports on retail sales figures for July. Economists expect an increase of 0.3% from the previous month.

Investors will be paying close attention to remarks from the leaders of central banks in Canada and the U.S. in the coming week.

On Thursday, Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney delivers an address, “Reflections on Recent Economic Developments,” at Canadian Club of Montreal.

On Tuesday, StatsCan reports on the consumer price index for August. Economists expect a rise of 3.5% from last year. Core inflation is expected at 1.6%.

Also Tuesday, the Investment Funds Institute of Canada opens its three-day annual conference in Toronto.

On Thursday, Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney delivers an address, “Reflections on Recent Economic Developments,” at Canadian Club of Montreal.

South of the border

On Wednesday, the U.S. National Association of Realtors reports on existing home sales for August. Sales are forecast to decline 1.2% to 4.94 million units on an annualized basis.

Separately, the U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on the U.S. economic outlook before the congressional joint economic committee.

On Thursday, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on durable goods orders for August. Economists expect a drop of 1.5%.

Separately, Commerce reports on new home sales in August. A drop of 1% to 510,000 homes, annualized, is forecast.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labour reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended Sept. 20. Economists forecast 450,000 claims.

Also, U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testify before a House of Representatives committee on the government’s decision to seize mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on final gross domestic product data for the second quarter. Annualized growth of 3.3% is forecast.

Meanwhile, the University of Michigan issues its final index of consumer sentiment for September. A reading of 70 is forecast.

Corporate earnings

On Wednesday, AGF Management Inc. release is financial results for the third quarter.

Research In Motion Ltd. reports its second-quarter earnings on Thursday.