Canadian and U.S. financial markets are closed Monday for the Labour Day holiday.

On Tuesday, Statistics Canada reports on building permits for July. Economists expect a month-over-month increase of 0.5%.

On Wednesday, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. reports on housing starts in August. Economists expect 136,500 starts, on an annualized basis, up from 134,200 the previous month.

On Thursday, the Bank of Canada makes its interest rate announcement. The target for the key overnight rate is expected to remain unchanged at 0.25%.

StatsCan reports on international merchandise trade for July. Economists expect a surplus of $100-million, compared with a deficit of $100 million the previous month.

On Friday, StatsCan reports on the new housing price index for July. Economists expect a drop of 0.1% from the previous month.

South of the border

On Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve posts consumer credit data for July. A drop of US$4 billion is expected, compared with a decline of US$10.3 billion the previous month.

On Wednesday, the Fed releases its periodic Beige Book, a survey of U.S. economic conditions.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports on the trade balance for July. A deficit of US$27 billion is forecast, unchanged from the previous month.

The U.S. Department of Labour reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended Sept. 5. Economists forecast 552,000 claims, down from 570,000 the previous week.

On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Dept. reports on wholesale inventories for July. Economists expect a drop of 1%, compared with a 1.7% decline the previous month.

The University of Michigan issues its preliminary report on consumer sentiment in September. A reading of 67.3 is forecast, up from 65.7 the previous month.

The U.S. Treasury Department releases its monthly budget statement for August. A deficit of US$174 billion is forecast, compared with a deficit of US$111.9 billion the previous month.

Corporate earnings

On Wednesday Transat A.T. Inc. reports its third-quarter share earnings.

On Thursday, Descartes Systems Group Inc. reports. second-quarter results, as does Lululemon Athletica Inc.

MDS Inc. reports third quarter results, as does Transcontinental Inc., the parent company of Investment Executive.

IE