Financial makets will get a reading on Canadian inflation in the week ahead. The consumer price index for May will be released on Friday.

Economists expect May price increases eased to a 1.8% annual rate from 2.4% a month earlier. Excluding the eight most volatile components of the index, the core rate seen rising 1.7%.

“These latest inflation figures will underscore the fact that there is no inflation problem whatsoever in Canada, despite a low unemployment rate and high factory utilization,” said Eric Lascelles, an economist at TD Bank Financial, in a research note.

A report on Canadian retail sales is due Tuesday. Economists expect Statistics Canada to report growth of 0.% in retail sales in April.

Also on Tuesday, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale addresses the Economic Club of Toronto.

On Wednesday, StatsCan reports on the leading indicators in May. Economists expect a rise of 0.3%.

On Thursday, the government agency reports on employment, earnings and hours in April. BMO Nesbitt Burns estimates an increase in earnings, year-over-year, of 1.7%.

On Friday, Finance Minister Goodale addresses the Canadian Association of New York.

South of the border, leading indicators, existing home sales and durable goods are all slated for release.

On Monday, the U.S. Conference Board releases its leading indicators index for May. Economists expect a drop of 0.3%.

On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department reports on initial jobless claims for the week ending June 18. Economists expect 330,000 claims.

As well, the U.S. National Association of Realtors reports on existing home sales in May. Economists expect annualized sales of 7.15 million.

On Friday, U.S. Commerce Department reports on durable orders in May. Economists expect a 1% increase.

Commerce also reports on new home sales in May. Economists expect annualized sales of 1.325 million units.

On the earnings calendar two Canadian technology companies, graphics chip designer ATI Technologies Inc. and software maker Cognos Inc., are slated to report their earnings next week and analysts are not bracing for surprises.

Also scheduled to report are: Sobeys Inc.; Empire Co. Ltd.; and Mosaid Technologies Inc.