The Bank of Canada makes its last interest rate announcement of 2006 on Tuesday. Economists forecast the target for the key overnight rate to remain unchanged at 4.25%.

On Wednesday, Statistics Canada reports building permits data for October. Economists forecast a 1.3% decline from September.

On Thursday, the Bank of Canada releases its financial system review.

On Friday, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. reports on housing starts for November. Economists expect 220,000 annualized starts, down from 223,200 a month earlier.

South of the border

On Tuesday, the U.S. Commerce Department releases factory orders data for October. Economists forecast a 3.5% decline, compared with a 2.1% increase in September.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended Dec. 2. Economists forecast 320,000 initial claims, down from 357,000 a week earlier.

On Friday, the U.S. Labor Dept. releases its employment report for November. Economists forecast an unemployment rate of 4.5%, up slightly from 4.4% in October.

Corporate earnings

CIBC releases fourth-quarter results on Thursday.

Bank of Nova Scotia releases fourth-quarter results on Friday, as does Toronto-Dominion Bank.

Other companies scheduled to release earnings include: Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT; Forzani Group Ltd.; Novell Inc.; AutoZone Inc.; Kroger Co.; Gildan Activewear Inc.; and National Semiconductor Corp.