There’s a full slate of Canadian economic news on deck. Investors will get clearer picture of Canadian inflation when Statistics Canada releases the consumer price index for May.

On Monday, StatsCan reports on international transactions in securities for April.

The consumer price index for May gets released on Tuesday. Economists expect the CPI to rise 2.2% from May 2006, while the core CPI is expected to rise 2.3%.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce releases housing starts and building permits data for May. Economists expect 1.48 million starts on an annualized basis.

On Wednesday, the government statistical agency reports on leading indicators for May. Economists forecast a gain of 0.5%.

Separately, StatsCan releases wholesale trade data for April. Economists expect wholesale trade rose 0.3%.

As well, StatsCan reports on Canada’s international investment position in the first quarter.

On Thursday, StatsCan reports on retail sales in April. Economists expect a gain of 1%, down from March’s 1.9% rise.

As well, StatsCan releases data on registered pension plans for 2006.

On Friday, Statistics Canada releases national balance sheet accounts for the first quarter.

In the United States, it’s a very quiet week for economic data.

On Thursday, The U.S. Department of Labor reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended June 16. Economists expect 311,000 claims.

Corporate earnings

Wall Street investment bank Morgan Stanley reports its second-quarter results on Wednesday.

Other companies scheduled to release earnings include Best Buy, Fedex, and Cognos.