The U.S. employment report for March will likely be the most eagerly awaited piece of economic news for the coming week.

In Canada, the key report will be the gross domestic product for January, due Thursday. Economists forecast the economy grew 0.4% in January, from 0.2% in December.

On Wednesday, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge will speak Wednesday on Canada’s competitiveness. As well, Statistics Canada releases the data on Canadian industrial and raw materials prices for February.

Thursday brings the report on GDP for January.

There are no economic reports from StatsCan on Monday or Friday.

There is a fuller data calendar south of the border.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Conference Board releases its report on consumer confidence for March.

Wednesday brings the release of reports on U.S. GDP and corporate profits for the fourth quarter.
U.S. real GDP (Q4-final) U.S. GDP deflator

Thursday sees the release of U.S. Chicago purchasing managers’ index for March.

Besides the U.S. employment report, Friday will also see the release of the U.S. ISM manufacturing index , for March, and the Michigan consumer sentiment index for March.

The employment report is expected to show the U.S. economy likely added 220,000 jobs in March, while the unemployment rate slipped a notch to 5.3%, according to analyst forecasts.

On the earnings calendar, AGF Management reports Wednesday, while Bombardier and Cognos report Thursday.