Traders will get a closer look at the health of the U.S. economy this week when the Institute of Supply Management releases its report on U.S. manufacturing data.

Here at home the data flow will be light, and concentrated at the end of the week.

On Thursday, Statistics Canada releases building permits data for August. Economists forecast an increase of 1%, compared with a drop of 2.3% in July.

Separately the Bank of Canada releases its business outlook survey.

Meanwhile, the Conference Board of Canada releases its monthly Index of Consumer Confidence for September.

As well, the Ivey purchasing managers index is due for release on Thursday

On Friday, StatsCan releases its labour force survey for September. Economists forecast a net jobs gain of 15,000, compared with a net loss of 16,000 jobs in August. The unemployment rate is expected to be unchanged at 6.5%.

South of the border

On Monday, the Institute of Supply Management releases its report on U.S. manufacturing data. The ISM manufacturing index is forecast to have declined to 53.5 in September, down from 54.5 in August. A year ago, the index was over 59.

Other U.S. data scheduled for release Monday are construction spending and pending home sales data.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Commerce Department releases data on car and truck sales for September. Economists expect total vehicle sales of 16.5 million, up from 16.1 million in August.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on factory orders for August.

On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended Sept 30. Economists forecast 314,000 claims, compared with 316,000 claims in the previous week.

Across the pond, the Bank of England monetary policy committee announces its interest rate decision. The bank is expected to keep rates unchanged at 4.75%.

On Friday, he U.S. Department of Labor reports on the U.S. employment picture for September. Economists expect an increase in non-farm payrolls of 120,000, compared with 128,000 in August. The unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged from August at of 4.7%.

Corporate earnings

It’s a light week for corporate earnings announcements. Companies scheduled to report in include Constellation Brands Inc. and Richelieu Hardware Ltd.