On Monday, Statistics Canada reports on building permits in February. Economists expect a drop of 5% from the previous month.

Meanwhile, the Richard Ivey purchasing managers index for March is expected to rise to a reading of 46.2.

In Edmonton, Alberta Finance Minister Iris Evans table the 2009 provincial budget.

On Wednesday, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. reports on housing starts in March. Economists expect 130,000 starts, on an annualized basis.

On Thursday, Statistics Canada releases its labour force survey for March. The unemployment rate is forecast to rise to 8% from 7.7%, with a net loss of 57,500 jobs.

Separately, StatsCan reports on international merchandise trade for February. A deficit of $1.45-billion is forecast.

As well, StatsCan reports on the new housing price index for February. Economists expect a decline of 0.5%.

On Friday, Canadian and U.S. markets are closed to observe Good Friday.

U.S. and overseas

On Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board releases consumer credit data for February. Economists expect a drop of US$1.3 billion.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports on wholesale inventories for February. A drop of 0.5% is forecast.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports on the trade balance for February. A deficit of US$36.5 billion.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labour reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended April 4. Economists forecast 660,000 claims.

U.S. fixed-income markets close early ahead of Good Friday holiday.

Overseas, the Bank of England monetary policy committee announces its interest rate decision.

Corporate earnings
On Tuesday, Alcoa Inc. reports first-quarter results.

On Wednesday, Corus Entertainment Inc. reports its second-quarter results, as does Shaw Communications Inc.

Le Château Inc. reports fourth-quarter results.

On Thursday, Chevron Corp. release its results.
Cogeco Inc. reports second-quarter results.

IE