Investors will get a closer look at the Bank of Canada’s thinking on the health of the Canadian economy this week. Tuseday brings the latest rate decision from the central bank, while Thursday sees the release of the next edition of its quarterly Monetary Policy Report.

The central bank is widely expected to leave its key overnight lending rate unchanged at 4.25%.

The data flow kicks off Monday when Statistics Canada releases its manufacturing survey for August. Economists forecast shipments to increase 0.3% from July.

On Wednesday, Stats Can releases Canada’s leading indicators figure for September. The index is expected to rise 0.2% from the previous month.

On Thursday, StatsCan releases wholesale trade figures for August. Economists forecast an increase of 0.4% from the previous month.

As well, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge and senior deputy governor Paul Jenkins appear before House of Commons finance committee.

On Friday, Statistics Canada releases consumer price index data for September. Economists forecast a year-over-year increase of 1%.

South of the border

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Labor releases producer price index figures for September. Economists forecast a 0.7% decline from the previous month.

Separately, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board releases industrial production data for September.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labor reports on the consumer price index for September. Economists forecast a year-over-year increase of 2.2%.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Commerce Department releases housing starts and building permits data for September. Economists forecast 1.64 million starts and 1.7 million permits, both annualized.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor reports on jobless claims for the week ended Oct. 14. Economists forecast 310,000 initial claims.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Conference Board’s leading indicators figure is expected to rise 0.3% for September.

Corporate earnings

It’s a busy week for earnings reports. Among the companies scheduled to release results are: Cogeco Inc.; Cogeco Cable Inc.; OSI Geospatial Inc.; Mattel Inc.; International Business Machines Corp.; Intel Corp.; Yahoo Inc.; Johnson & Johnson; Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc.; Wells Fargo & Co.; Motorola Inc.; Nova Chemicals Corp.; Apple Computer Inc.; eBay Inc.; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; E*Trade Financial Corp.; Boston Scientific Corp.; Occidental Petroleum Corp.; Husky Energy Inc. Google Inc.; Citigroup Inc.; Coca-Cola Co.; Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.; TransAlta Corp.; Merck & Co. Inc.; Schering-Plough Corp.; and Caterpillar Inc.