Investors will be looking for proof of stronger economic growth during the second quarter when Statistics Canada releases the Q2 report on gross domestic product.

Canadian GDP is expected to have risen at a 2.7% pace in the second quarter, up from a 2.3% rate in the first quarter. Growth is seen picking up further in the third quarter.

On a monthly basis, analysts are pegging June’s growth at 0.3%.

June’s gain should come from “strong performances from retailers, wholesalers and the housing market,” said Eric Lascelles, an economist at TD Bank Financial Group, in a written comment. As well, “a generous handoff to the third quarter should set the stage for Canada’s economy to continue improving in the second half of the year,” he said.

On Tuesday, Statistics Canada reports on the industrial products and raw materials price indexes for July. Economists expect the products index to rise 0.3%, and the materials index to remain unchanged.

Separately, the government agency reports on the balance of international payments in the second quarter. Economists expect a surplus of $5 billion.

South of the border, the U.S. Conference Board reports on consumer confidence in August on Tueday. Economists expect a reading of 101.5, from 103.2 in July.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on factory orders in July. Economists expect a drop of 2% from June.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Commerce Department issues preliminary figures on the gross domestic product in the second quarter. Economists expect growth of 3.4%, year-over-year.

The Chicago arm of the National Association of Purchasing Managers releases its index of manufacturing activity in August. Economists expect a reading of 61, from 63.5 in July.

On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department reports initial jobless claims for the week ending Aug. 27. Economists expect 315,000 claims, unchanged from the previous week.

The U.S. Commerce Department reports on personal spending and income in July. Economists expect increases of 1% and 0.5%, respectively.

Separately, Commerce reports on construction spending in July. Economists expect an increase of 0.5% from June.

The U.S. Institute for Supply Management releases its manufacturing index for August. Economists expect a reading of 57, from 56.5 in July.

On Friday, economists expect the U.S. Labor Department to report the unemployment rate in August unchanged, at 5%. Non-farm payrolls are expected to grow by 190,000 jobs. Average hourly earnings are expected to rise 0.2%.

Earnings season for Canada’s banks wraps up this week when Bank of Nova Scotia reports its third-quarter results on Tuesday.

Among other companies scheduled to report are Hudson Bay Co., which will release second-quarter earnings on Monday.

Tundra Semiconductor Corp. reports first-quarter, 2006, results on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Canadian Western Bank reports third-quarter results, while Forzani Group Ltd. reports second-quarter, 2006, results.

On Thursday, Leitch Technology Corp. reports first-quarter, 2006, results and holds its annual meeting in Toronto.