Investors will have a veritable feast of economic data to digest before the Christmas break.

On Monday, Statistics Canada reports on Canada’s international securities transactions for October. A net inflow of $1.25 billion is forecast, compared with a net outflow of $3.077 billion the previous month.

Separately, StatsCan releases leading indicators data for November. Economists expect a rise of 0.3%, compared with 0.2% the previous month.

Also Monday, Research In Motion Ltd. appears before the Ontario Securities Commission to update the regulator on the status of the company’s late filing for the second quarter.

On Tuesday, StatsCan releases consumer price index data for November. Economists expect a year-over-year increase of 1.5%, compared with 0.9% the previous month.

On Wednesday, StatsCan reports on wholesale trade in October. Economists expect a decline of 0.3%, compared with a decline of 1.6% the previous month.

On Thursday, Statistics Canada reports on gross domestic product for October. Economists forecast a month-over-month increase of 0.1%, compared with a decline of 0.3% the previous month.

Separately, the government agency reports on retail sales for October. Economists expect a decline of 0.5%, compared with a decline of 1.2% the previous month.

South of the border

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Commerce releases data on the current account balance for the third quarter. Economists expect a deficit of US$225 billion, compared with a deficit of $218.4 billion in the second quarter.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Dept. of Labor reports producer price index data for November. Economists expect a monthly increase of 0.5%, compared with a decline of 1.6% the previous month.

Meanwhile, Commerce releases data on housing starts and building permits for November. Economists forecast 1.525 million starts and 1.54 million permits, both annualized.

On Thursday, the U.S. Commerce Dep. issues final data for third-quarter gross domestic product. Economists expect an increase of 2.2%, compared with the same gain the previous quarter.

Meanwhile the U.S. Labor Dept. reports on initial jobless claims for the week ended Dec. 16. Economists forecast 314,000 claims, up from 304,000 a week earlier.

Separately, the U.S. Conference Board releases leading indicator figures for November. Economists expect no change, compared with a rise of 0.2% the previous month.

On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Dept. reports on durable goods orders for November. Economists expect an increase of 1.5%, compared with a decline of 8.3% the previous month.

As well, Commerce releases personal income and spending data for November. Economists forecast increases of 0.4% in income and 0.6% in spending.

The University of Michigan issues its final index of consumer sentiment for December. Economists expect a reading of 90.4, up slightly from 90.2 the previous month.

U.S. bond markets close early at 14:00 ET ahead of Christmas holiday.

Corporate earnings

It’s a quiet week for earnings reports. Cognos and Research in Motion are two companies that will release quarterly results.