On Monday, Statistics Canada reports on the gross domestic product in January. Economists expect growth of 0.5% from the previous month.

On Tuesday, StatsCan reports on industrial product and raw material prices in February. Economists expect industrial products prices to rise by 0.7%, and raw materials by 1.9%.

On Friday, Statistics Canada releases its labour force survey for March. Economists expect the unemployment rate to remain unchanged at 5.8%, and a net monthly gain of 15,000 new jobs.

Meanwhile, the Ivey purchasing managers index for March is expected to slip to 60.5.

South of the border

On Tuesday, the U.S. Institute of Supply Management posts its manufacturing index for March. A reading of 47.5 is expected.

Meanwhile the U.S. Department of Commerce reports on construction spending for March. Economists expect a drop of 1%.

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

Separately, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on factory orders in February. Economists expect an increase of 0.6%.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labour reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended March 29. A figure of 365,000 is forecast.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labour releases its jobs report for March. The unemployment rate is expected to rise to 5% from 4.8%, and non-farm payrolls are expected to lose 48,000 jobs.

Corporate earnings

On Monday, Mega Brands Inc. posts fourth-quarter results, as does Uranium One Inc. and Gammon Gold Inc.

On Wednesday, tech bellwether Research In Motion Ltd. releases its fourth-quarter results, as does Best Buy Co. Inc. and Reitmans (Canada) Ltd.

On Thursday Bombardier Inc. posts fourth-quarter results as does Constellation Brands Inc.