TORONTO –
Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week:
Ukraine and the markets
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has meant volatility for stock markets around the world as well as for the commodity markets. The price of oil topped US$130 a barrel during the early days of the war before pulling back to around US$100 a barrel at the end of last week.
House resumes
The House of Commons resumes sitting on Monday after a two-week break. Bay Street will be watching for Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to set a date for the government’s spring budget. The federal government is expected to release its fiscal monitor for January on Friday.
BRP results
BRP Inc. will release its fourth-quarter results and hold a conference call with financial analysts on Friday. The company announced plans to boost its pontoon boat manufacturing capacity in Michigan last week in a move that will add close to 200 jobs.
Kozicki speech
Bank of Canada deputy governor Sharon Kozicki is set to give a speech to the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco by video conference on Friday. The central bank raised its key interest rate target earlier this month and has suggested that more rate hikes are coming. The Bank of Canada’s next rate announcement is set for April 13.
Rail shutdown
More than 3,000 conductors and engineers at CP rail were on the picket line Sunday after the company and union failed to reach a deal. Work stoppages at railways affect everything from grain shipments to retailers waiting for goods and the federal government will be under pressure to enact back-to-work legislation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2022.