U.S. Fed makes interest rate announcement, Wednesday

Monday, Dec. 10

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. is expected to report on housing starts in November. Economists expect 200,000 annualized starts.

Tuesday, Dec. 11

Statistics Canada reports on international merchandise trade in October. Economists expect a deficit of $1.2-billion.

The U.S. Commerce Department reports on the goods and services trade balance in October. Economists expect a deficit of $42.7-billion (U.S.).

Companies reporting:

Dollar General Corp.

Wednesday, Dec. 12

The U.S. Federal Reserve Board makes its interest rate announcement. Economists expect the rate to remain unchanged at 0.25 per cent.

Companies reporting:

Costco Wholesale Corp.

Whistler Blackcomb Holdings Inc.

Thursday, Dec. 13

Statistics Canada reports on the new housing price index in October.

Statscan reports on the capacity utilization rate in the third quarter. Economists expect the rate at 80.5 per cent.

The U.S. Labour Department reports on the producer price index for November. Economists expect a monthly drop of 0.5 per cent.

The U.S. Commerce Department reports on retail sales in November. Economists expect a rise of 0.4 per cent.

Companies reporting:

Adobe Systems Inc.

Empire Co. Ltd.

Friday, Dec. 14

Statistics Canada reports on manufacturing sales in October. Economists expect no change from the previous month.

The U.S. Commerce Department reports on the consumer price index in November. Economists expect an annual rise of 1.9 per cent.

The U.S. Federal Reserve Board reports on industrial production and capacity utilization in November. Economists expect production to rise 0.2 per cent, and capacity utilization at 78 per cent.