Finance Minister Jim Flaherty presents the 2008-09 federal budget on Tuesday.

As well, Bank of Canada senior deputy governor Paul Jenkins and deputy governor John Murray appear before the House of Commons industry committee to discuss impact of high dollar on the economy.

On Friday, Statistics Canada reports on the current account balance for the fourth quarter. Economists expect a deficit of $200 million.

Separately, StatsCan reports on industrial product and raw material prices in January. Economists expect industrial product prices to rise 0.8%, and raw materials to increase 0.5%.

South of the border

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Labour reports on the producer price index for January. Economists expect a rise of 0.3%.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Conference Board reports on consumer confidence for February. A reading of 82 is expected.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Commerce Department reports on durable goods orders for January. Economists expect a drop of 4% is forecast.

Separately, Commerce reports on new homes sales for January. Economists expect a 0.7% drop to 600,000 annualized sales.

Meanwhile, U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke begins two days of testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives on monetary policy.

On Thursday, the U.S. Commerce Department releases its preliminary reading on fourth-quarter GDP. Economists expect a rise of 0.7%.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labour reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended Feb. 23. Economists expect 350,000 claims.

On Friday, the Chicago Purchasing Managers index is released. A reading of 49.7 is expected.

The University of Michigan issues its final index of consumer sentiment for February. A reading of 70 is forecast.

Corporate earnings

On Monday, Canfor Corp. and Silver Wheaton Corp. report quaterly earnings.

Laurentian Bank of Canada reports first-quarter earnings on Wednesday.

Other firms scheduled to report fourth quarter results include AltaGas Income Trust, Magna International Inc., MDC Partners Inc., Nortel Networks Corp, and Torstar Corp.

CIBC, National Bank and Toronto-Dominion Bank report Q1 earnings on Thursday.

Other companies reporting quarterly results include Calloway REIT. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., GMP Capital Trust, Northgate Minerals Corp., Onex Corp., Talisman Energy Inc. and
Tundra Semiconductor.

On Friday, Royal Bank of Canada reports Q1 results, while Breakwater Resources Ltd. reports Q4 earnings.