Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week - Winnipeg Free Press
Interest rates: On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada announces its decision on what to do with its bench-setting interest rate, as well as its quarterly update on the Canadian economy. It's estimated that sales will increase seven per cent over the same period last year, while average home prices will soar eight per cent, fuelled mostly by the piping hot Toronto and Vancouver housing markets. The Canada MLS home price index will also be unveiled with an estimated increase of five per cent over last year. Manufacturing: Weakness in Canada's economy is expected to show through in the February manufacturing shipments, due Wednesday, as a slowdown in the auto sector is likely to weigh down overall factory output. Retail activity: A slump in consumer spending, which dragged from the holiday season into January, could finally be over as consumers returned to stores with more cash to spend amid a drop in gasoline prices. Source: autos.winnipegfreepress.com
