On Monday, Statistics Canada reports on the capacity utilization rate for the fourth quarter.

On Tuesday, StatsCan reports on manufacturing shipments for January. A drop of 5.5% is forecast.

On Wednesday, StatsCan reports on wholesale sales for January.

On Thursday, StatsCan reports on the consumer price index for February. A year-over-year rise of 0.2% is forecast.

Separately, StatsCan reports on international securities transactions in January.

On Friday, StatsCan reports on retail sales in January. An increase of 0.7% from the previous month is forecast.

Separately, the statistical agency reports on new vehicle sales for January.

U.S. and overseas

On Monday, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board reports on industrial production and capacity utilization in February. Economists expect industrial production to shrink by 1.3%, and the capacity utilization rate to fall to 71%.

The U.S. National Association of Home Builders releases its housing index for March. Economists expect the reading to be unchanged at 9.

Overseas, the Bank of Japan begins two-day monetary policy meeting.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Labour reports on the producer price index for February. A monthly increase of 0.3% is forecast.

The U.S. Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits in February. Economists forecast 450,000 starts and 510,000 permits, annualized.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee begins two-day monetary policy meeting.

On Wednesday, U.S. Labour reports on the consumer price index for February. Economists forecast a monthly increase of 0.3% and no year-over-year change.

U.S. Commerce reports on the current account balance for the fourth quarter. A deficit of US$137.1 billion is forecast.

Meanwhile, the U.S. FOMC announces its interest rate decision. The key rate is expected to remain unchanged.

On Thursday, U.S. Labour reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended March 14. Economists forecast 650,000 claims.

Also, the U.S. Conference Board reports on leading indicators in February. A drop of 0.6% is forecast.

Corporate earnings

On Monday, AG Growth Income Fund reports fourth-quarter results.

On Tuesday, Adobe Systems Inc. reports first-quarter results.

On Wednesday, Advantage Energy Income Fund reports fourth-quarter results.

General Mills Inc. reports third-quarter results, as does Nike Inc., and Oracle Corp.

On Thursday, Delphi Energy Corp. reports fourth-quarter results.

FedEx Corp. reports third-quarter results, as does Palm Inc.

IE