Statistics Canada releases building permits for April on Thursday. An increase of 0.7% in the number of permits issued is forecast, compared with a decline of 4.5% in March.

On Friday, Statistics Canada releases its employment report for May. Economists forecast 8,500 net new jobs, annualized, down from 19,200 in April. The jobless rate is expected to have held steady at 6.1%.

U.S. and overseas

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports on construction spending for April. Spending is forecast to slip 0.6% from the previous month.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Commerce Dept. reports on vehicle sales for May. Economists expect annualized total sales of 14.6 million vehicles, up from 14.4 million in April.

Separately, Commerce reports on factory orders data for April. Economists forecast a 0.1% decrease in orders, compared with a 1.4% gain in March.

Overseas, Reserve Bank of Australia board announces interest rate decision.

On Thursday, the European Central Bank governing council makes interest rate announcement, Frankfurt; Bank of England’s monetary policy committee announces its decision on rates, London.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labour reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended May 31. Economists forecast 370,000 claims, compared with 372,000 claims a week earlier.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labour reports on employment for May, including non-farm payrolls and the unemployment rate. Economists forecast the annualized jobless rate of 5.1%, up from 5% in April. Non-farm payrolls are expected to decline by 55,000 jobs.

Corporate earnings

On Monday, Lululemon Athletica Inc. reports first quarter results.

On Tuesday, U.S. luxury home builder Toll Brothers Inc. reports second-quarter results.

On Wednesday, Bombardier Inc. holds its annual meeting in Montreal and issues first-quarter results.

Other companies scheduled to report quarterly earnings include Harry Winston Diamond Corp. and
Wi-Lan Inc.

On Thursday, Canadian Western Bank releases its second-quarter results.

Other companies due to report include Saputo Inc.; Le Château Inc.; Tundra Semiconductor Corp.; and Del Monte Corp.

Patheon Inc. reports second-quarter results on Friday.