It will be a short week with most equity markets in North America and many others around the world closed in observance of Good Friday.

U.S. government bond markets and financial futures contracts markets will have abbreviated trading on Good Friday.

On Wednesday, Statistics Canada reports on building permits issued in February. Economists expect a drop of 6.5%, compared with an increase of 11.3% in the previous month.

On Thursday, StatsCan releases its labour force survey for March. Economists expect the unemployment rate to remain unchanged at 6.1%. Employers are expected to create 15,000 new jobs.

As well, the Ivey Purchasing Managers Index is published for March. Economists expect a reading of 62.5, up from 60.5 the previous month.

South of the border

On Monday, the U.S. Institute of Supply Management issues its manufacturing index for March. Economists expect a reading of 51, down from 52.3 in the previous month.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Commerce Department releases data on car and truck sales for March. Economists expect total vehicle sales of 16.5 million, down slightly from 16.6 million in the previous month.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports on factory orders in February. Economists forecast a gain of 2%, compared with a decrease of 5.6% in the previous month.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Institute for Supply Management releases its services index for March. Economists expect a reading of 55, compared with 54.3 in the previous month.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended March 31. Economists expect 314,000 claims, compared with 308,000 in the previous week.

There are a batch of economic releases scheduled for Good Friday.

The U.S. Department of Labor issues its jobs report for March. Economists expect the unemployment rate to rise to 4.6% from 4.5% in the previous month.

Separately, the U.S. Commerce Dept. reports on wholesale inventories for February. Economists expect a gain of 0.4%, compared with a rise of 0.7% the previous month.

Also, the U.S. Federal Reserve releases consumer credit data for February. Economists expect an increase of $5 billion.

Overseas, the Bank of England announces its interest rate decision on Thursday. Economists expect the benchmark rate to be left unchanged at 5.25%.

It will be a quiet week for corporate earnings. Among the few companies scheduled to release quarterly results are Mega Brands Inc. and Corus Entertainment Inc.