Statistics Canada reports on the gross domestic product for the fourth quarter. Economists expect annualized quarterly growth of 1%.

On Tuesday, Bank of Canada makes its interest rate announcement. Economists expect the target for the key overnight rate to be set at 3.75%, down from 4%.

On Thursday, StatsCan reports on building permits in January. Economists expect a 1% increase in the number of permits issued in December.

On Friday, StatsCan releases its labour force survey for February. Economists forecast an annualized unemployment rate of 5.9%, up from 5.8% in January, and expect a net monthly gain of 5,000 jobs.

U.S. and overseas

On Monday, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on construction spending for January. Economists forecast a drop of 0.7%.

Separately, Commerce reports on February sales cars and trucks. Economists forecast domestic vehicle sales of 11.9 million, and total vehicle sales of 15.5 million.

On Wednesday, The U.S. Department of Labor reports on productivity and costs for the fourth quarter. Economists forecast non-farm productivity gains of 1.8%, annualized. Unit labour costs are expected to have risen 2.1%.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports on factory orders in January. Economists forecast a 2.5% drop.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labour reports initial jobless claims for the week ended March 1. Economists forecast 360,000 claims compared with 373,000 the previous week.

The U.S. National Association of Realtors reports on pending home sales for December. Sales are expected to have declined 0.8%.

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

As well, the European Central Bank governing council meets, followed by an interest rate announcement.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor reports on the employment picture for February. The unemployment rate at is forecast at 5%, up from 4.9% in January. Economists expect non-farm payrolls to increase by 40,000 jobs, compared with a drop of 17,000 in January.

The U.S. Federal Reserve Board releases consumer credit data for January. Economists expect an increase of US$7 billion, up from US$4.5 billion the previous month.

Corporate Earnings

On Monday, Pengrowth Energy Trust releases its fourth-quarter results, as does Vermilion Energy Trust and Algoma Central Corp.

Bank of Montreal releases its first-quarter results on Tuesday, as does Bank of Nova Scotia.

Other companies scheduled to report include Brampton Brick Ltd., Fairborne Energy Trust, Burntsand Inc., Killam Properties Inc. and Staples Inc.

Saxon Financial Inc. reports on Wendesday.

Other companies set to release earnings on Wednesday include Linamar Corp., Aecon Group Inc., Canadian Solar Inc., Canam Group Inc, Cinram International, CML Healthcare Income Fund, Cordero Energy Inc., Vector Aerospace Corp., Costco Wholesale Corp.. Foot Locker Inc., H&R Block Inc. and Saks Inc.

On Thursday, Canadian Western Bank reports on the first quarter.

Other companies releasing earnings include Algonquin Power Income Fund, BFI Canada Inc., Certicom Corp., Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT, Gabriel Resources Ltd., SNC-Lavalin Group, Fort Chicago Energy Partners, Mosaid Technologies Inc., SMTC Corp., and Blockbuster Inc.

On Friday, earnings reports are due from Allied Properties REIT, First Capital Realty Inc., Patheon Inc., Royal Host REIT, and InnVest REIT.